3DP Unlimited Blog

Top 10 Tips for Surviving the International CES 2015

by 3DP News | Dec 11, 2014 | 3DP Blog

The International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®) is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It’s where business gets done: on the show floor, in and around the conference program, in impromptu connections and in planned meetings and special events. If you are planning to attend the International CES 2015, from January 6 to 9, these 10 surviving tips by 3DP Unlimited will help optimize your overall experience at the show.

Pre-Show

1. Register for Show Passes:

If you have not already done so, register now. To avoid the $100 registration fee, use 3DP Unlimited’s priority code FEI59PE1 when registering. You can use and share this free registration code through December 31st, 2014.

2. Plan What You Want to See:

The International CES 2015 features more than 52,000 exhibitors,and over 200 speakers and conferences sessions. With so many exhibits and conferences packed into just four days, it is crucial to plan ahead on what you want to see at the show. Visit the exhibitor directory to find the full list of exhibitors and take full advantage of the Interactive Maps, the MyCES Planner, and the CES Mobile App.

Check out 3DP Unlimited’s CES Show Prep Video :

At the International CES 2015, 3DP Unlimited’s booth will be located at the Tech West Sands Expo, 3D Printing Marketplace, at Booth 71625. Visit our Map Your Show page and add 3DP Unlimited to “MyCES” list. MyCES will show you where and how to find us once you get to the show floor.

Add 3DP Unlimited to “MyCES”

3. Bring Extra Batteries, WIFI Hotspot, and Some Cash:

You will be using your phone a lot at CES, so make sure to bring extra batteries for your phone. The WIFI at the hotel and convention center is rare and inconsistent, so bring along and a mobile hotspot if you need to stay connected. Cash always comes in handy because many food vendors within the convention center do not take credit cards.

4. Pick Up Your Badge Early:

Picking up your badge early can help avoid waiting in lines when you need to enter the convention center. There are 18 remote badge pickup locations across the Las Vegas, including two located right in the McCarran Airport Terminal 1 and 3; and 11 on-site badge pickup locations. You will also need your personal ID, such as a driver’s license or passport when picking up the badge.

5. Know the Exhibit Hours:

With so many exhibits to visit and conferences to attend, it is crucial to plan your visit accordingly. This year’s International CES exhibit hours are:

Tuesday, January 6: 10 AM-6 PM

Wednesday, January 7: 9 AM-6 PM

Thursday, January 8: 9 AM-6 PM (C Space at ARIA closes 4PM on Thursday)

Friday, January 9: 9 AM-4 PM (C Space at ARIA is closed on Friday)

During the Show:

6. Take the Shuttle or the Monorail:

Once you make it to Las Vegas, there are a variety of ways you can get around town and to the show floor, including the Las Vegas Monorail and taxis. Plus, CES offers complimentary shuttle service on all four days of the show, view the full shuttle schedule and map here.

7. Take Pictures and be Social:

You will see a lot of innovative products and companies at the International CES Show. Take pictures of the products and displays that interest you, so you can revisit and share your experience with colleagues. Also be social and stay up-to-date with these innovators by following them on social media.

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8. Stay Fueled and Hydrated:

Look for a variety Grab-N-Go kiosks located throughout the show floor. At the LVCC, you can grab lunch at Luckys Restaurant, located in the Grand Lobby or Aces, located in the South Hall 1 lobby. At The Venetian and Palazzo, you can grab a quick lunch at the food court located at the Casino Level or at the food court located on the Grand Canal Shoppes. There are also many restaurants throughout The Venetian where you can have lunch or dinner, including the Grand Lux Café, located at the base of the Venetian Tower and at a second location in the Palazzo, Casino Level.

After the Show

9. Check the Follow-Up Emails:

After the International CES show, do not miss out on the follow-up emails from the exhibitors. These follow-up emails often contain more detailed product information and even special offers for CES attendees. It will help you stay in touch with the companies you are interested in, so be sure to look for these emails after the show.

10. Have Some Fun!

Two things Las Vegas is definitely known for: spectacular entertainment and restaurants. Here are some links to help you have some fun at the end of the day:

• Search for Las Vegas restaurants based on cuisine type, location, meals served, price range and more.
• Use this interactive map to explore Las Vegas based on your interests or a particular region.
• From spas to shopping to golfing, you’ll realize that 24 hours in a day is hardly enough time to take advantage of all the activities Las Vegas has to offer.
• Whether you’re ready to dance the night away or watch A-list headliners entertain you for the evening, Vegas has you covered.
• Want some more? View the Visitor’s Guide for a comprehensive look at all that glitters in Las Vegas.

Now you are ready heading to the International CES 2015, we hope you find these tips helpful in planning your trip. From Jan 6 to 9, 3DP Unlimited will be showcasing the large format 3D printer 3DP1000, as well as some never-before-seen enormous 3D prints at the Sands Expo, Booth 71625. We look forward seeing you there!

Using Support Structures in 3D Printing

by 3DP News | Nov 18, 2014 | 3DP Blog

Welcome to the 3DP Unlimited 3D Printing Tips series! Last month, you learned How to Get Started with Large Format 3D Printing. In this tutorial, we focus on using support structures in large format 3D printing.

Why? — Why Are Support Structures Needed?

Support structures enable the printing of models with steep overhangs and cantilevered sections. The 3DP1000 large format 3D printer utilizes Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology, which works on the additive manufacturing principle of heating and laying down material layer by layer to create an object. Many sophisticated 3D print designs require materials to be deposited on a layer where there was not a previous layer, or the designs have steep angles which might cause undesired drooping during the print. In these cases, support structures are needed to ensure objects’ integrity and print quality.

What? — What Materials Can be Used for Support Structures?

The 3DP1000 large format 3D printer enables users to print with two kinds of support structures: break-away support structures, and wash-away support structures. With the 3DP1000 single extruder 3D printer, you can use the same material of the 3D print to build break-away supports. While with the 3DP1000 dual extruder 3D printer, you will have the flexibility to print support structures using different materials, such as the water soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which dissolves in cold water, making it ideal for complex 3D prints.

When? — When are Support Structures Needed?

Generally speaking, if the 3D model has an overhang of more than 45 degrees, you will need supports. This angle is determined by the material, layer height, extrusion width, and temperature. It is critical to adjust the support structures accordingly to ensure the best print result, especially for large format 3D prints.

Where? — Where do I need to add support structures?

Most 3D printing software will automatically place support structures based on the parameters you set. For example, in Simplify 3D, under the “Support” tab, you can click the “Generate Support” button to generate the support structure, adjust the density of the support structure, and also set the support pillar resolution. If the print requires more attention, you can manually add and remove support structures as well.

Simplify 3D and Slic3r have some great tutorials in adding and modifying support structures using their program, you can read it here (for Simplify 3D), and here (for Slic3r).

Now you have learned the 4 Ws of using support structures in 3D printing. In the next 3DP Unlimited 3D Printing Tips, we will talk about the different materials you can use with the 3DP1000 and its influence on your 3D printing cost. Please stay tuned.

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