The next item I created with Tinkercad and printed was a 3D bracelet. The first version was too small for my wrist and quit printing before it was completed.
So I enlarged the bracelet, and this time I made sure that the gcode file was completed written to the SD card before I tried to print the item.
Print Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Filament: PLA – 1.32 meters 10 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 70.07, 70.07, 18.721 mm
After loading several objects into the Cura software, it told me ‘Info: Print one object at a time disabled. Object too tall.” During my research of this issue, I learned the object was not too large for the printer, it was just too large for printing multiple objects. Now, I had to print something tall.
On youmagine.com I found a vase that I just had to print.
Specifications:
Print Time: 12 hours 29 minutes
Filament: PLA – 6.35 meters 50 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 200, 76.3, 76.3 mm
200 mm is almost 8 inches tall.
Yes, the vase is spiral.
Now I just need to figure out what is causing the strings inside the spirals.
I designed a vase in Tinkercad using several of the techniques I learned through the lessons on the website. I used the workplace feature to place the stars and circles on the vase. I used the hole feature to hollow out the inside of the vase.
In the end, I thought I had a good result for my first vase attempt. I saved the object as an .STL file and loaded into Cura and created the .gcode file.
Into the first hour of printing, I noticed that I had a bit of a problem. One of the holes I had put in the vase had cause the bottom of the base to become unstable.
Examining it carefully, I determine at this stage, the vase would still hold water, so I let the printer continue.
Three hours into printing the vase, the printer stopped.
There were no mechanical problems with the printer, it just though the print was finished.
Researching this problem, I found out it was not a unique problem. It happens when the .gcode file is not completely created. Steps to take to make sure the .gcode is created correctly are: 1) Wait until the object completely loads into the software package (Cura). 2) Do not print through the USB cable this may interfere with the printing. 3) Make sure the .gcode file is saved to the SD Card. 4) Always eject the SD Card from computer before removing the SD Card.
I did not attempt to reprint the vase. I need to tweak it first and other design have capture my attention.
My nephews, ages 10 and 12, did me a favor by cleaning up my yard. It was a favor, so they did not want to be paid. This is how I thanked them.
First, I made them a Thank You card using a template I found in the Silhouette Design Studio. They are held together with double stick tape.
One for the SuperHero fan…
Another for the garden lover, orange wearer, fan…
Then using my new 3D design skills that I learned in Tinkercad, I made them both a name tag and printed it on my Ultimaker 2 printer.
Print Time: 6 hours 54 minutes – for both
Filament: PLA – 3.52 meters 28 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 130.5, 40.002, 6.0 mm – each
I then realized that their younger brother may feel left out. So, I made him a name tag too.
Print Time: 3 hours 28 minutes
Filament: PLA – 1.77 meters 14 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 130.5, 40.002, 6.0 mm
The next step for printing 3D objects was to fine some 3D design software that support .STL or .OBJ files. There are a lot of free software available for 3D design. However, I am very warily of “free” software since a lot of “free” software (especially game software) comes with viruses, Trojans, and other nasty things.
I found four that was worth looking into deeper.
Since I use CorelDraw, I decided to look at their recommendations. They recommended developing a 2D design in CorelDraw, transferring it to CAD software, like AutoCAD or Autodesk 123D, then fine tuning it with Corel Technical Suite. Corel Technical Suite is $999. I think not!
I decided since I was a beginner, I would start and learn with Tinkercad. I went through several lessons in Tinkercad to learn the basics. It was very helpful, especially learning to adjust the workspace.
Many years ago, a friend told me I needed to sign all my art works. Most of my cards, houses, paintings now contains this logo. That is want I created first.
Made By Sarah….
Yes, I did make it double sided. If I had though about it before, I would have mirror the image on the reverse side.
Print Time: 4 hours 46 minutes
Filament: PLA – 2.14 meters 17 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 127.0, 68.0, 5.0 mm
I have printed everything that was on the SD Card that came with the printer. The next step is downloading and installing the Cura software. To my disappointment, the Cura software does not let you design 3D objects. It does lets you render the object for 3D printing.
In Cura, there is a link “YM” to Youmagine.com that allows you to share the objects you create. If also lets you download objects created by other individuals. That is where I found this robot. Named Makey Robot by le FabShop.
Yes! He does have movable parts. There was no assembly required. After it was printed, I could move most of the parts. I having problems moving one of it’s ankle and knee parts. Only the 65 piece model was printed.
Print Time: 5 hours 42 minutes
Filament: PLA – 3.43 meters 27 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 62.4, 55.4, 40.5 mm
The search is on for 3D design software. If you have any favorite, let me know.
Here are some more items I printed directly off of the SD Card that came with the Ultimaker 2.
Double Heart:
Print Time: 59 minutes
Filament: PLA – .60 meters 5 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 40.0, 40.0, 6.0 mm
Earring Circle:
Print Time: 15 minutes
Filament: PLA – .13 meters 1 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 30.0, 32.9, 62.9 mm
Coffin’s Cube Puzzle:
This was the second time I attempted to print these objects. The first time, the filament stopped extruding after the second object was printed. I removed the filament from the machine and printed all of the other objects on the SD card before I attempted this object again.
Now that I have a puzzle. I guess I will need to Google it to determine how to put it together.
Print Time: 3 hours 4 minutes
Filament: PLA – 1.89 meters 15 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): Varies
Printed this off of SD Card. Named: MiniCalTest. I am assuming it is used to test the printer. End result was – it looked good.
Sorry! The SD Card did not contain the .stl file. When I load the gcode file into the Cura software, it did not provide the data need. Print time was approximately 50 minutes.
This print came directly from the SD Card that came with the 3D Printer. I did not know what to expect from this 3d print. What is a Stackable Cup?
When the cup began to curve, I didn’t if the printer had messed up or this was part of the design.
It looks like what make the cup “stackable” is the ledge inside the cup.
Yes! It does hold water.
Print Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Filament: PLA – 2.56 meters 20 grams
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8
Object Size (W, D, H): 57.462, 57.462, 50 mm
This is the second object I successfully printed with the 3D Printer. I just selected it from the SD Card and pressed print.
Print Time: 40 minutes
Filament: PLA – 0.29 meters
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Shell Thickness: 0.8 mm
Object Size (W, D, H): 30.29, 33.737, 28.867 mm
Sarah Cath's Adventures 