3D Printing Activity¶
In this activity you will design and print a 3D part. You may take an existing CAD file from a repository such as Thingiverse, GrabCAD, etc. and modify it to suit your purpose (must be a non-trivial change) or create your own design. You can make your design in your preferred CAD tool, a few great choices are OnShape, OpenSCAD, FreeCAD, AutoDeskInventor , and SketchUp These can be simple brackets and parts or very complex structures. Be sure to make something that actually can be 3D printed though - remember the design concerns we discussed in class. A few examples of CAD files designed for 3D printing are shown below.
Many universities, public libraries, and maker spaces have 3D printers that you can use for little or no cost. Penn State operates the Maker Commons as a part of the library that allows students to print. There are also commercial service bureaus that will make your print on professional grade machines and ship it to your door. Of these, Shapeways seems to have the largest variety of materials and services. Often service bureaus and library services can get very busy, so make sure you allow enough time for manufacturing and shipping!
Grading Rubric¶
| Description | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Turned in on time | 5 |
| Part created or modified | 20 |
| Design for 3D printing | 20 |
| Total | 45 |