Steep 3D Printing Learning Curve
I’m very happy that I taught myself 3D modeling and animation over a decade ago, I’m by far not the best out there but what I have learned has been invaluable to my current businesses. I think having a background in 3D knowledge is invaluable towards successful 3D printing from being able to visualize how parts go together in your mind to optimizing mesh.
3D Printed Model T Render - real photography later
I’m now working closely with Ponoko’s 3D printing expert Rich to get my very first model, my 1911 Ford Model T Runabout up to par for 3D modeling which I will then do a physical test to make sure I have one working model to help guide me towards converting the rest of my models found at WoodMarvels.com to be 3D printed as well. Imagine having access to hundreds of models which can be CNC’ed, Laser cut and shortly, 3D printed too!
To make things all the more difficult, there isn’t much cross-over terminologically speaking. With 3D printing, you have terms like “internal walls”, “inverted mesh” and “outer shells” which are things you generally don’t want in a model. I know what they mean due to my background but the context is very different. For instance, an internal wall in a mesh that isn’t to be 3D printed still produces a solid model surface in 3DS Max but when 3D printed, it actually greatly reduces the strength of the final 3D printed mesh.
The challenges are as endless in 3D printing as they are in 3D modeling, which makes it all the more fun once a milestone is achieved, such as having a solid watertight mesh for sale on 3DMarvels.com for others to enjoy!
The nice thing about 3D printing vs 2D laser cut / CNC’ed stuff I usually design is the level of detail can be dramatically increased… the picture above could be heavily detailed (ironically, also reducing the production costs in the process) but each change creates new “mesh problems” which need to be fixed. For instance, the headlights can have an internal housing, the engine compartment can have 3D printed hinges with an engine inside and the tires could have a tread printed on them. Amazing to say the least!
Suffice it to say, I have a heck of a lot to learn regarding the 3D printed world. Patience is a virtue which is needed in excessive amounts!