Month: October 2016

Is everyone here skillful in CAD software?

I have been interested in 3d printing for a little bit now. I want to get a Printer in the future but I also want to be able to make my own objects.I’ve been trying to learn solidworks and have made progress but not as much as I want. Is it recommended to not really get a printer unless you are very comfortable with this software?Is there a different software people might recommend to use for beginners? I love the idea of printing but feel like it will take me a very long time to get used to a completely new type of software I’ve never used before (3d modeling).EDIT: I should add, if I am learning Solidworks should I just stick with it? I always see people say it is very powerful http://ift.tt/2dzMgYB

What is a useful gift for a friend who prints a lot?

I’m having a very large 20+ part project printed by a guy on 3D Hubs, and throughout the process he has gone the extra mile to make sure my parts are of the highest quality. I originally chose him because of the quote price, but through all of his troubleshooting and reprints I know the original quote won’t cover his expenses. He graciously didn’t ask for additional compensation, but I want to gift him something that shows how much I appreciate his hard work. I was thinking of gifting some filament that he would use frequently, in a commonly used color. His printers can print PLA, ABS, and PETG. I believe he primarily uses a Prusa model, but I’m not sure which one. http://ift.tt/2dftB2X

What is the ‘best’ mechanical system for movement on a consumer/prosumer level 3d printer?

I realize this question may be a little bit hard to answer, but I wanted to look at what is available for building a better printer.Right now I have a machine that uses GT2 cables to move the X carriage and the bed. It uses threaded rod with flex couplers for the Z. This is a fairly common setup.I know that flex couplers in the normal configuration are not as good as they would be with a thrust bearing above them because they are springs being compressed.There are other track systems around that might still use a belt for the actual movement but it glides along a nicer track instead of the metal ball bearings.So given a price point that is not terribly outrageous – what would be the better movement systems we have access to now? http://ift.tt/2e4Zwow