Just some stuff I want to share with you
I did not buy my 3D printer to only print files that are available for download. The whole idea was to learn how to create my own designs. When I got my printer, I already played a little bit with OpenSCAD and made a few ladder feet. But that was based on an existing design that I only modified. It was a nice starter, but now it is time to start from scratch.
I came up with some starting points: it should be something fun. If it is useful in daily life, then that is a plus, but it is not a requirement. It would be nice if the project includes electronics. I want to learn more about OpenSCAD, so that’s the tool to use. Preferably no drilling, cutting, or sawing required when assembling the final object.
While watching a YouTube movie, I noticed a name sign in the background. Since I spend a lot of time in video calls: why not create a name sign pointing to my website? Sounds like a plan!
Read full articleSince the 3D printer now has found its final place, it is time to look at the printing process itself.
The first topic to look at is how to get the file that needs to be printed to the printer. The printer does not have a network interface, but it does have a USB connector. To print a file there are 2 options: connect the printer to a computer and directly control the printer. Or copy the print file to a SD card and move the card to the printer and select the file in the menu on the printer. So far, I mainly used the SD card to print, but that process becomes a bit tedious over time and I can’t imagine that the card will have long lifetime.
The second topic is: how to keep an eye on what the printer is doing? The bigger the thing you want to print, the more time it takes. For example: the spool holder used in the enclosure took just over 7 hours to print. During that time, you want to monitor the process and be able to stop it when something goes wrong. But you don’t want to constantly sit in the room keeping an eye on the printer.
Time to look at how to remotely control the printer.
Read full articleSince my last post, I have printed a lot of stuff on my 3D printer and learned a lot about the printer itself and the printing process. The printer was left on the table where I put it together and that was a smart move during the first weeks. Minor adjustments were required to the printer itself and it was helpful to be able to get to all the parts easily. But then it was time to find the spot where it should live from now on.
Read full articleFinally, I succeeded convincing myself that this was a good idea. It was time for another hobby. In my daily job I only work in a digital/virtual world. And although I love ICT in the end it is not possible to “touch” the result; it’s all bits and bytes on computers and best-case you will see a result on your smartphone, tablet or computer screen. I needed to get physical again.
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