PART 2
Shaping Blending shapes (so called) Parametrics :
( 30 minute “build from scratch” tutorial at the end of this article)
I shall be using our new Light Worker -SXM Media Office 3D printer for making Home made Gold And Silver Colloidal Water Makers and Designer bottles and containers for Homemade Medicines, plus our intentions to create our own free energy models will be the forefront of our in house training and own education in 3D printing.
Garden Gnomes and all kinds of whacky shaped creatures you tend to see these days on 3D printer ads will not be our central focus of attention, however the Garden Gnome I speak of is important part of one’s education which fits into knowing about Shapes and Parametrics and becoming independent with your 3D computer Printer set up.
The cover picture shows a whacky piece shaped almost impossibly : Do not be put off : Today we will make this understandable for you:
In the last series PART 1; The Scanner and Scanning we looked at how we are going to be scanning our objects so that we can copy them and Print them out on our 3D printer. This is done by a series of grid lines which are all square and at right angles to each other, just like minature boxes.
Back to Part 1 The Scanner here :
Should you need to change shapes or blend shapes or make pieces fit like a jigsaw puzzle then this section will look at the beginners level considering the reader to have no experience whatsoever in computer programs and this new technology.
Computer Programs :
People like me who understand working in 3D on an Auto CAD computer it is not daunting but for others they simply switch off and never go back for a second look, but stop right there , look at this picture for one moment. The XYZ axis : ALL OTHER 3D software programs ARE ALL THE SAME:
Once you know that the basics in every image 3D has this principle and 3D printers are based on this principle and you look at the X axis and the arrow in which way it goes then add the +2 factor it becomes less daunting. All the numbers on this example are + So all you have to do in fact is add a negative factor and that will take you below the chart. The rest the computer does for you.
Suddenly everything you see on this complex house detail becomes simple and understandable knowing it is done in 3 Grids XYZ:
So shapes become more understandable now
too The only difference is the grids XYZ go tighter the more curves you
have in order to read the image with any degree of accuracy.
SO ITS THE MORE CURVES AND SHAPES YOU HAVE THE MORE CUBE BOXES YOU WILL HAVE ON YOUR SCREEN.
Here you see a twist cap of some kind and
soon you would be able to make this on the 3D software without too much
tuition on the program. The next stage it to work out thicknesses of
printable zones which are clearly in colour in this sketch above.
Most Parametric parts are already shaped
for you and all you have to do is select it and change its size and
shape by scaling your work to what you need, however again, in 3D
printing the size of your printable machine is already programmed, so
that is already done for you.
3D Parametric parts by 3Doers: In this link Parametrics Tuition is for Beginners level and it is an enjoyable visit:
The Automatic support facility:
The next thing you do need to know is that
your shape you chose is not necessarily going to stand up on its own
when it is built, here we use an open support program that can be added
to your software and will help the 3D printer determine what is throw
away and what is for instance to be Gold in this example of Jewellery
rings.
Our Gold/Silversmith at Light Worker SXM is
called Alex and he can transfer all these items for us into Gold or
Silver or anything else you mention, he will be assist in us making our
first colloidal silver machines with 999 Silver, using plugs we make for
him on our Parametrics program with our 3D printer, these will be our
own invention and design.
Internet Open Sourcing: Deciding on which software only when purchasing your hardware:
The internet is a great way to share your
inventions or ideas it is also the best place for self tutorials : Open
sourcing is a way of putting your creation on the internet in a readable
format so that you can discuss your ideas with others who may be more
experienced in 3D printing design than you and is OPTION A for growth in
your quest for independence in 3D Printing.
One of the best tips for those interested
in becoming 3D printer independent is to start visiting all forms of
Open Source sites so that you can keep up with what you can do at home
and what you can do with more skilled applications. The need to involve
Open Source or backup printouts of special materials is never ending
just now and once they see your graphics they can better advise you.
This goes without saying that you wait
until the last minute when you are ready to purchase your scanner and 3D
printer before you commit to which software you use for your hook up to
your computer, some come as part of the kit and that is advisable to
keep the whole system compatible so that there is no disappointment at
the time of purchasing.
And Finally 2 great Videos on Parametrics designing:
As we close on Parametrics here are 2
videos that create a mug out of thin air or a fresh piece of paper that
will guide you through how far you can go with design. This is early
learning and not particularly complicated but it sure shows you how to
build and add objects and design more freely.
http://xi4.com/2013/12/13/3d-printer-series-part-2-shapingparametrics/