Beginning Design for 3D Printing

Beginning Design for 3D Printing is the full color go-to-guide for creating just about anything on a 3D printer. This book will demystify the design process for 3D printing, providing the proper workflows for those new to 3D printing, eager artists, seasoned engineers, 3D printing entrepreneurs, and first-time owners of 3D printers to ensure original ideas can be 3D printed.

Beginning Design for 3D Printing explores a variety of 3D printing projects. Focus is on the use of freely available 3D design applications with step-by-step techniques that will demonstrate how to create a wide variety of 3D printable objects and illustrate the differences between splines, polygons, and solids. Users will get a deep understanding of a wide range modeling applications. They’ll learn the differences between organic modeling tools, hard edge modeling, and precision, CAD-based techniques used to make 3D printable designs, practical products, and personalized works of art.

Whether you are a student on a budget or a company exploring R & D options for 3D printing, Beginning Design for 3D Printing will provide the right tools and techniques to ensure 3D printing success.

What you’ll learn

• Learn the differences between the software modeling tools available for 3D printing.
• Understand the fundamental design concepts and definitions in the 3D modeler’s toolkit.
• Learn the best tool for the project, and how to design 3D printable objects quickly and efficiently.
• Learn the differences between organic, hard edged, and precision based CAD techniques
• Avoid common design errors and mistakes that can lead to frustration.
• Ensure cost-efficient designs through optimization techniques.
• Create a range of objects from simple every-day designs to complex, articulated assemblies that are printable
• Gain an understanding of advanced procedures that exemplify how, in 3D printing, “design complexity is free”.

Who this book is for

Beginning Design for 3D Printing is for anyone interested in essential 3D printing design techniques. This book is intended for artists, designers, engineers, students and entrepreneurs wanting to create their own original content for 3D printing.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: What’s Possible With 3D Printing?
Chapter 2: Exploring Design Techniques for 3D Printing
Chapter 3: Begin With a Box
Chapter 4: Preparing the Box for 3D Printing
Chapter 5: Creative Applications for Simple Shapes
Chapter 6: Design Strategies for 3D Printing
Chapter 7: Basic Solid Modeling Techniques
Chapter 8: Organic Modeling Techniques
Chapter 9: Customization Techniques
Chapter 10: 3D Scanning Techniques
Chapter 11: Intermediate Solid Modeling Techniques for Mechanical Connections
Chapter 12: Advanced Techniques Using Blender
Chapter 13: Working With 3D Printing Service Bureaus
Appendix: Timeline of 3D Printing Design Milestones