by 3DP News | Aug 25, 2015 | 3D Printing Tips, 3DP Blog
What is Infill Percentage? In 3D printing, the term “infill” refers to the structure that is printed inside an object. It is extruded in a designated percentage and pattern, which is set in the slicing software. Infill percentage and pattern influence print weight, material usage, strength, print time and sometimes decorative properties. Generally speaking, the higher the infill percentage, the stronger the print, but the longer it takes to print. In most cases, 5% - 15% infill is sufficient.100% infill is very rarely used. What is Infill Pattern? When using any infill percentage, a pattern is used to create a strong and durable structure inside the print. There are several different infill pattern options, each with advantages and tradeoffs between print time, strength, and material usage. 3D printing software provides infill pattern selections for users to choose. For example, Simplify3D provides users with six infill pattern options, including the most popular honeycomb and triangle infill patterns. New patterns allow a user to configure the interior of the part exactly to their specifications. New infill patterns include: - Fast Honeycomb - Full Honeycomb - Wiggle - Triangular -Grid -Rectilinear To test Simplify3D’s six fill patterns, download the Simplify3D Internal Fill Pattern Show Model at Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:962563 Varying combinations of infill percentage and pattern can influence strength, material usage, and print times. Sometimes, in order to improve the mechanical performance of a 3D printed part, it comes at the expense of print speed, affordability, and quality. If you are interested in learning more about the influence of infill percentage and infill patterns on 3D prints, check...
by 3DP News | Aug 18, 2015 | 3D Printing Tips, 3DP Blog
Earlier this year, 3DP Unlimited showcased its 3D printing capabilities at the MD&M East show. In this video, 3DP’s John Good shares some building and finishing tips for 3D printing with Design World’s Leslie Langnau. Full Transcript: Leslie: Hi This is Leslie Langnau, I’m the managing editor at Design World Magazine, and we are here today at the MD&M East show in New York. I’m here with John Good of 3DP Unlimited. John, you were showing me something a little interesting here, this was all made with FDM (FFF). But as we know, FDM (FFF) tend to have a lot of stair steps. But you’ve got this gorgeous finish here, how did you do that? John: What we have here is a gas tank, image you are trying to go and put together a concept car, something that’s is reflective of the end use. Everybody is familiar with the stair stepping of FDM (FFF) and other 3D printing processes, and there is a perception that “oh my goodness, I’m going to hire an army of people with sandpaper and bondo to go and make it look, literally mirror surface. But let me show you, do you see this side right here, do you see the fine surface? That’s because we have used something that’s right there in your local auto body shop uses for auto body scratch and dent. This is just a high build primer from PPG. It’s a perfect example of using some of the available post-processing technologies that have been vetted over the years, to enhance how people are using additive manufacturing. Leslie: That’s amazing, because so many people think that...
by 3DP News | Aug 12, 2015 | 3DP Blog, 3DP Unlimited News
After a week of designing catapults, jewelry, and other small trinkets as part of a 3D software design institute, young Digital NEST students witnessed one of the largest commercial 3D printers in the country, the 3DP1000 transforms a thin rope of plastic into a fluted vase. Digital NEST, which provides free high-tech and professional skills for people aged 12-24, has filled the summer with digital workshops. “Digital NEST is all about getting these youth the skills they need to compete for good-paying jobs locally and globally,” said Jacob Martinez, founding executive director. “There’s a huge opportunity for 3D modeling careers.” The open house was hosted by the Applied Motion Products in Watsonville, California. “It is a great opportunity for the students to see a machine that they would not normally have access to,” said Don Macleod, chief executive officer, and president of the Applied Motion. “You can see how it sparks their imagination.” 3DP Unlimited and Applied Motion Products both advocate for the cultivation of youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, pursuits. 3DP believes that 3D printing should have a place in the classroom and will continue to have a significant impact on education. 3DP looks forward to seeing more young talents join the world of additive manufacturing. Digital NEST Student watching the 3DP1000 printing Digital NEST students looking at a large 3D print sample by 3DP1000 Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel Applied Motion opens doors to local Digital NEST computer design students http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/social-affairs/20150731/applied-motion-opens-doors-to-local-digital-nest-computer-design-students Applied Motion Products...
