My first 3D-printed model

[wenganxiang]

I got a Geeetech 3d-printer, and printed my first object. Here is how it’s made from ABS filament, and a lot of details about the model.

Start
Create 3D objects in reality, sounds difficult and magical. In the past, only factories can do it. But now it’s simple and the method is easy to understand.

A 3D model is cut into pieces or layers in computer, each layer is thinner than 1mm. Printing a layer is easy, just like painting with melting plastic, and then other layers upon it. It gets thicker and thicker and becomes the model you want.


Grids
In fact, the model is not totally solid. As you can see grids in the model, especially in the middle(the edge is solid). I think the grid structure can save material, it’s lighter but also has required strength--solid doesn’t means strong all the time.




Notes
Neighbor layers should be adhere to each other, however sometimes they are separated, because of unsuitable temperature or layer number. Changing conditions of printing can get different effects. And the bottom layer can not be easilypaste on the glass board below it, so glue is needed, don’t forget clear it after print.


Views
Different views of the 3D model, it’s only 5cm tall but consist of more than 100 layers and spent more than 4 hours. Not so fast but i think it’s cheaper and more convenient, than any other ways to get this 3D model. By the way, I purchased the 3D-printer from Geeetech: http://www.geeetech.com/acrylic-geee...it-p-884.html, it’s suitable for beginners like me.