If I’m printing an object with a 0.5mm thickness, chances are the very first time there’s a slight overhang it will go pear shaped. When the walls are that thin, there’s almost nothing underneath even a very slight 20-30 degree overhang.
Duh.
Tag Archives: overhang
First part prototyped!
I’ve just prototyped my first part for a client! What fun!
He sent over some design files, we discussed some of the constraints of the MakerBot Cupcake CNC (overhang limits, printing resolution, ABS warpage, build sizes), went back and forth over several iterations of the design, and today I printed it up!
In getting ready to print his part I had tuned my ‘bot over the weekend. The part has the absolute smoothest sides I’ve been able to print on anything to date with minimal stringing. I’m really really proud of that print. The resolution came out so well I want to reprint several prior prints – such as the TARDIS and dalek.
Anyone want a second hand TARDIS?
Why make blocks?
Making blocks with a MakerBot is almost counter productive. Why would you want to make something out of plastic that can be used to make other things out of plastic? Why not just print the final plastic object as a single piece all at once?
I like the idea of being able to physically play with the design of something. Sketchup is easy to use, but legos are even easier. I never worry about an operation that I can’t Ctrl-Z my way out of. Plus, it’s even easier to go from idea to objection with physical building blocks. I think it would also be a very interesting way to get around the overhang and size limitations of a CupCake CNC.