Featured FAQ: What should I print?
Contributor: Chelsea Misquith
That is up to you! 3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab certified users are welcome to use our ‘Bots for rigorous research, experimentation, or just for fun! If you’re new to 3D printing, though, here are some tips to get you started.
Use a pre-existing design.
There are lots of repositories of free 3D design files ready for rendering through the MakerBot software and printable on our Replicator 2s. Thingiverse is MakerBot’s open online repository, where experts and amateurs alike share their original designs and scans, from scientific models to nifty gadgets and cute trinkets.
For subject-specific repositories, try the NIH 3D Print Exchange for scientific models and anatomical scans, or the Smithsonian’s collection of scanned historical artifacts. NASA also provides free access to some of their 3D models, textures, and images.
View our resource guide for more free design repositories to help you get started.
Look at designs that have already been printed, and read the instructions and comments.
Many repositories include 3D designs that have never actually been printed. If you’re a beginner, check to see a photo of the printed version to make sure it is a feasible tangible object in three dimensions.
Some designs may have comments or instructions added by users, giving further tips for ensuring a successful print.
OR Design your own objects!
The resource guide linked above also lists some great software that enables you to 3D design objects for printing. Autodesk 123D Design is one such software that is easy-to-use, and is free and compatible with multiple 3D printers. Autodesk also has a fun app called 123D Catch that allows you to create 3D scans of real-world objects through pictures.
3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab uses the Autodesk software for our recently launched Intro to 3D Design for 3D Printing workshop for those of you who are interested in designing your own prototypes! Check out our workshop page here for a listing of sessions.
Pick something quick and simple to start.
If all you want is to get to know the printers and see them in action, starting with a quick and simple print is the easiest way to make sure your first time goes smoothly. Check out our collection of suggested first-time prints on Thingiverse, including the above design by 6brueder.
“Spellcheck” your design.
Even if you are familiar with 3D design, learning to translate that into an actual, printable object is difficult. To check your design for potential errors, you can use Microsoft’s free 3D Model Repair Service powered by Netfabb.
The service closes holes in your model, fixes face normals, removes self-intersections, and other common errors.
Ultimately, while you can take certain steps to avoid making 3D printing mistakes, sometimes growth and beauty come from failure. So don’t be afraid to create something new!
Have more questions? Check out our FAQs.
*With thanks to 3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab’s former GSLA, Carolyn.
