We had the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise on 3D modelling and 3D printing in conjunction with Tech-Aware @ MaGIC Sarawak on 23 December 2017. Team BAWA Cane had been 3D printing since 2011.
Tech-Aware is a community-driven for the community initiative that aims to create awareness of technological advancement through inspirational talks, beginner class, mentoring session and master class. As the world focuses on emerging technologies such as big data, cloud computing, blockchains, and artificial intelligence, learn from experts whom have integrated such technology into their applied creativity and innovation.
What is 3D printing?
A quick googling will give you an answer that goes like this:
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D-printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.
It starts with making a virtual design of the object that is to be created. This virtual design is made in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file using a 3D-modeling program (for the creation of a totally new object) or with the use of a 3D scanner (to copy an existing object). A 3D scanner makes a 3D digital copy of an object.
3dprinting.com
In short, transforming digital models into physical, tangible objects.
Preparing the digital model
For the 3-hour workshop, we utilized SketchUp to quickly draw 3D models.
SketchUp is a tool for architects, designers, builders, makers and engineers who shape the world! The best part is that it runs on the browser. No tedious installation needed for a time-limited workshop like this.
We started off the session by briefly introducing what SketchUp is and what it can do. Mostly, we let the participants themselves explore as we believed that ‘one truly learn something when one struggles’.
We, then, move onto the best practices when designing a model for 3D printing such as overhangs, part thickness, and dimensions.
Let’s get 3D printing
Here, we are printing with Afinibot A5 Mini 3D printer. Thus, we are limited to a print volume of 130mm x 150mm x 100mm. The Afinibot A5 Mini 3D printer is available at MaGIC Sarawak Co-Working Space for public use (experts are always there in the co-working space if you do not have any technical know-how).
Participants were then given some time to design and print their own keychains.
Have a 3D model that you want printed?
Don’t have a 3D model but still want something 3D printed?
Drop us an email and we’ll hook you up.