The easiest way to 3D print something is by downloading a ready-to-use file from the web. Still, if you want to create your own designs, the web has many tools that can help you sculpt “from scratch”. This process is called Modelling. Note that this course will not go into detail on this particular subject. Yet here are two tools that you can try out.
3D modelling
- DUST3D is an open-source and free tool to help you sculpt your 3D model. For example, this tool transforms a 2D image (or photo) into a 3D file.
- Scultpris a free, easy-to-use 3D modelling software. Its “modelling clay concept” enables you to create 3D images without any technical knowledge.
- BricsCAD Form. This modelling and visualisation programme is free of charge. The programme allows you to form 3D concepts and architectural prototypes, 3D printing and more. It works as a DWG file format, which contains both two and three dimensional vector graphics, ideal for drafters, architects and engineers. It also allows imports directly from SketchUp, a 3D modelling program. The programme is easy to navigate and has a toolbar/sidebar. It has all the tools needed to create simple architectural and design models. The user can see what the result will look like. The programme creates an environment that helps visualise and render the final part. In this environment, the user gets some good snapshots of the final result in a searchable 3D space.
- This is a 3D computer graphics software set of tools, which is very popular, free, and open source. It produces 3D models, motion graphics, 3D applications that are interactive etc. However, its use is considered more difficult than BricsCAD Shape.
Other tools:
- Sketchup-http://www.thesketchupessentials.com/extrudetools/
- Blender – https://www.blender.org/
- Meshmixer – https://www.meshmixer.com/
Guide on how to use Sketchup
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-SketchUp
- Step 1
- Open the SketchUp website. In your computer’s web browser, go to https://www.sketchup.com/.
- To use SketchUp, you need to answer some questions and create an account on the website.
- Step 2
- Click on the blue Start Tour button in the middle of the page and then follow the instructions on the screen.
- Step 3
- Look at the tools and how to use them. On the left side of the page, you will see a vertical column of icons. These icons, from top to bottom, belong to the many tools.
- Step 4
- Create a structure. SketchUp has a huge library of different models that you can add to your project. To add an existing model, do the following:
- Click on the Components tab, which resembles an icon with three boxes on the right side of the page.
- Enter a keyword in the “Browse 3D Warehouse” text box. For example, to display a list of houses, type “house”.
- Click on the magnifying glass-shaped “Search” icon.
- Select a structure and then wait for it to appear in SketchUp.
- Step 5
- Make the necessary changes. Add details and change dimensions according to the requirements of your project.
- Step 6
- Do not forget to save your work.
Remember that there is a learning curve when using these tools so be patient and trust the process.
3D Printing
Now that you know the basics, here is a short and comprehensible guide on 3D printing. But first, we recommend you watch the video again: 3D Printing Basics – What you need to know! – YouTube
Step 1. Download.
There are many pages like Thingiverse or Cults3D where you can find 3D printable digital models for free (or paid). Choose one and download it to your computer. The file will be in a 3D printable format called .STL (or .OBJ file).
Step 2. Slice.
Transfer your file to a “slicer” software (Cura or Slic3r). Cura or Slic3r are two free and open-source tools that will help you customise your print, in other words, prepare it for printing (e.g. layer height or infill percentage). When ready, convert your file into a G-code file and save it in your computer. You can also save it on a USB/SD card. In fact, some 3D printers have an SD card reader so you can directly insert it into the machine for it to read it.
Cura
Cura is an open-source slicing software developed by Ultimaker for its 3D printers. It could also be a general standard as it is easy to use with most other 3D printers. You can use it via a plugin system, for which many handy plugins are available.
Chances are that a quality profile for your 3D printer is already in the software. You can get started immediately. If this is not the case, you can download and import the profile of another printer.
This 3D printing software is easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D printing settings. Start in “Basic” mode for quick familiarisation. Start with Basic mode to speed up the learning curve. Choose between “Advanced”, “Expert” or even “All” so you can get more than one option. Among these options, the software shows users up to 400 settings that they can change for the best results. There is no doubt that the versions released by the slicer are up-to-date. This is because new versions are released all the time.
Step 3.a. If you do not have a printer.
There are many online 3D printing platforms and providers that make this possible. Here is an example, i.materialise is an online 3D printing platform where you upload, customise and price your 3D model.
For more information on 3D printing, below we leave a link to more information about other 3D printing tools. This information might be useful if you have trouble converting files and/or if you feel that, the tools we recommended are not a fit for you.
Fix 3D printing problems? – Frequently Asked Questions・Cults (cults3d.com)
Other tools – The Maker Toolbox: directory of all the indispensable tools for 3D printing.・Cults (cults3d.com)
Step 3.b. If you have a 3D printer.
Get your 3D object ready to print using Cura – https://3dprinterly.com/how-to-use-cura-for-beginners-step-by-step-guide-more/
Before you can work with Cura, you must download it, install it and configure it correctly. To do this, follow the steps below.
- Step 1
- Install the latest version of Cura on your PC. Download and install Cura from the Ultimaker website. Open the software and run it.
- Step 2
- Configure the Cura software with your printers. Follow the instructions to get started prompts and create an Ultimaker account if you wish (this is optional). On the Add Printer page you can add your Ultimaker wireless Ultimaker printer to your Wi-Fi network.
- Step 3
- Once you have configured your printer’s settings in Cura, the next step is to import your model. Cura provides a virtual workspace similar to the bed of your 3D printer so you can make adjustments to your models.
- Click on the File menu in the top toolbar and select Open File(s). You can also use the shorter key combination Ctrl + O. This will open a window on the memory of your PC. Find your model and select it. Click on Open. The model will now be successfully imported into your workspace. You can also find the file in your file explorer and drag it directly into Cura to import it.
- Step 4
- Select the size of the model on your build plate. If you want to increase or decrease the size of the model, you can use the scale tool to do so. A XYZ system appears on the model when you click on the scale icon or press S on the keyboard. You can drag the axes of each system to enlarge the model in the appropriate direction. You can also use the more accurate percentage system to scale your model or numbers in mm. All you have to do is enter the factor by which you want to scale your model in the box and the programme will do this automatically. If you want to scale all axes by this factor, check the Uniform scaling box. However, if you want to scale a specific axis, uncheck the box.
- Step 5
- Change the preset for the nozzle and the material. It is important to select the exact material type and nozzle you are using in Cura, but usually the default settings are fine. Most 3D printers use a 0.4 mm nozzle and PLA filament. If you have something else, you can easily make changes.
- Step 6
- Cut and save. Once you have optimised all the settings correctly, it is time to send the model to your printer for printing. To do this, you first need to slice it. Look for the Cut button at the bottom right of your screen and click on it. The model will be cut and you will get a preview of the print, the amount of material used and the print time.
In the case of museums, 3D printing technology has helped them enhance the visitor experience. Most importantly, it has made museums more accessible to all. For example, 3D printing can offer visitors a tactile experience by creating touchable versions of artworks. This allows blind people and visitors with low vision to touch and “feel” artworks.
It is important that culture is enjoyable for everyone. Exhibiting art that is accessible to all does not only benefit people with disabilities. The average visitor and art lover can also engage with art in a different way. This means that it is in the best interest of museums to become more accessible. Without barriers, everyone can benefit. That is the reason why we want to help introduce 3D printing into museums.
Thus, it is important that heritage professionals have a general understanding of 3D technology. By doing so, they can better serve museum visitors. Therefore, people can interact with the exhibits regardless of their disability.
Thus, it is important that heritage professionals have a general understanding of 3D technology. By doing so, they can better serve museum visitors. Therefore, people can interact with the exhibits regardless of their disability.
Because 3D printing and its application in museums is relatively new. We have taken it upon ourselves to create this course. Here we present some examples and ideas for 3D printing and its various applications in the arts and culture sector.
We want heritage professionals to discover the possibilities that 3D printing technology offers. We believe that this information will be useful for them. This will help them make better and more informed decisions about what is the best choice for the kind of exhibits and disabilities they should accommodate.
References
iMold USA LLC. (2019, 1 may). SLS. China Casting ‣ Injection Molding Solutions. Retrieved from: https://www.china-casting.biz/sls.htmlSculpteo (2022, 31 march). What is an STL file? Retrieved from https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/create-3d-file/what-is-an-stl-file/
Signs.com. (2022). Directional Signs. Retrieved from https://www.signs.com/directional-signs/
Buchko, S. (2018, 11 april). An Insiders Guide to the Best Decentralized Art Galleries. CoinCentral. Retrieved from:https://coincentral.com/best-decentralized-art-galleries/
(source: The Entrepreneurial and Maker Community - Perfect 3D Printing Filament (morgen-filament.de)
Sillas Meteor, de MAD Architects. | Credits: Ken Ngan / Dior
Richardson, J. (2021, 8 marzo). How are some of the world’s best known Museums doing amazing things with 3D Printing? MuseumNext. Retrieved from https://www.museumnext.com/article/how-museums-are-using-3d-printing/
Reference: Trakai Island Castle Taken from: We love Lithuania.https://welovelithuania.com/traku-pilyje-pastatytas-maketas-regos-negalia-turintiems-leisiantis-pamatyti-pili/
Now, the visually impaired can experience the beauty of art at Madrid’s Prado Museum - Luxurylaunches
Nursing Clio Please Touch: 3D Technologies for Accessibility in Museums
https://www.globaltimes.cn/galleries/3758.html
Polish Up Your 3D Printing Entrepreneurial Spirit with Some Helpful Tips - 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing
