Updated 2023-11-16 13:44:05: I completely re-wrote this post.

The Background

So, this is really for my dear colleague V. (“the names have been removed to protect the innocent”) who’s been asking how it actually looks like 3D printing in my little 3D corner. Long time in the making, but finally this is for you…

I was also checking out OpenShot - a fantastic free video editor. I combined these two factors and I now have a short vide clip and a little write-up on the process.

The Process of a Typical 3D Printing Project

OK, I recorded some video clips and compiled it into one video clip trying to show how a typical little 3D printing project normally goes. The process roughly goes through the following 3 steps:

  • There is a need or a demand for something to be created. I start searching (online services like Printables.com, Thingiverse, Cults 3D, GrabCAD… etc.) if there is already something created that would fit the need. Two outcomes a) I find it and download the 3D object (STL file) or b) I have to design it from scratch in 3D CAD program.
  • Once I have the STL file, I have to encode it to GCode, this step is referred as slicing the file. It is basically going through all the layers - slicing - and translate the object into instructions for the 3D printer layering down the melted plastic in layers resulting in the final product.
  • The final step, often overlooked but a very important step to take into consideration for time and costs, is the post-process step. This can vary in time and complexity; anything from a few minutes to days (sanding, cutting, applying multiple epoxy layers with drying time etc.)

Two ways to get the STL File - The 3D Object

I wanted to re-use a water bottle and wanted to convert it into a plant watering bottle. For that specific need I found the Watering bottle cap at Printables.com. I simply downloaded the STL file from Printables and sliced it in the slicer program. For this specific project I selected my Creality Ender 3 v2 machine, I sliced it with the Ultimaker Cura slicer program. However, on my Prusa 3D printer I would slice it with the Prusa Slicer , which actually is my slicer of choice.

If I wouldn’t have found a suitable design to download, I would have started to design it myself in a 3D CAD program. I mostly do the design in 3D CAD programs called FreeCAD , OpenSCAD , Autodesk Fusion 360 or TinkerCAD . In most cases that is the correct order of usage as well.

Finally we have the Gcode

OK, once sliced and exported as a GCode file, I upload it to a Raspberry Pi server which is directly connected to the 3D Printer. It is running the OctoPrint software making sure the GCode file is processed correctly and with the UI the user can follow the progress (with or without a camera) in a web UI. It is a fantastic piece of software!

Post Process

Then the last step is the post process; cleaning, removing support material and brims to maximize adhesion (to make sure that the objects are struck to the build plate). Sometimes the post process can be to paint or applying protective epoxy layer. Sometimes you have to glue parts together or add heatsinks etc to finalize the parts.

This is How it looked like…

Here is a little clip that I compiled and put together. You can also see the screenshot of the Octoprint UI: