3D Printing Projects : Welcome

3D Printing Projects

ME 4933: Additive Manufacturing

Semester: Fall 2020

Programs Used: SolidWorks, FDM Printing, Stereolithography

Skills Developed: 3D printing & modeling

3D Printing Projects : List

My Experience

One of the technical electives I chose for my major was "Additive Manufacturing," a course that focuses on Additive Manufacturing technologies in the modern world. Through this course, we were able to use Stereolithography printers, 3D scanners, and FDM printers to design and print objects.

3D Printing & Modeling

The first printing lab that our class completed was the Stereolithography lab, where we each created an STL file for the printers on campus. I utilized Solidworks to refresh my skills. I created "Audrey II," an evil plant from the movie "Little Shop of Horrors." The modeling of this project took longer than expected, but taught me how to efficiently set up a model. I also really enjoyed representing a character in a 3D form.

Our second project involved SolidWorks again, but this time to print on an FDM printer. I made a small turtle. I really enjoyed comparing the two methods of printing and thinking about how to adapt them.

3D Printing Projects : Projects

Lessons Learned

We All Need A Support System

For my first print, Audrey II, I made an incredibly small stem support for the round head of the object. When I finished my print, I almost immediately dropped it. Due to the small support, my piece broke in half. I truly realized the importance of considering how an object will support itself when modeling.

3D Printing Projects : Gallery