When should I get in touch with the Makerspace?
As early as possible! Even if you don't have anything modeled, we like to get a sense of how many students are planning to print. This helps us estimate the time, energy, and resources that will be needed later in the semester. It also allows us to start the conversation about the best way to represent your project before you put too much work in.
When is it worth my time to print topography?
Even if your site seems steep to the average pedestrian, it may still appear relatively flat at a small scale--as a general rule, only significant or exaggerated topo is worth the time to 3D print. If you are just looking at topo to understand your site, it may be more efficient to laser cut layers of cardboard/paper/wood. If you are interested in printing a combination of topography and buildings, consider what the minimum boundary is to communicate your idea, as well as what medium or combination of media might serve you well. Laser cut topography topped with printed buildings might be a more efficient and high-contrast approach.
What is the best modeling software for the job?
The Makerspace recommends use of SketchUp for first-time modelers, especially for modeling an individual building; it is the program we are most equipped to use for troubleshooting your files.
Blender is also very useful, with a higher learning curve. Blender can be used for more organic modeling.
Fusion 360, an Autodesk product, is a great option for parametric modeling.
AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, and Revit 3D files tend to not work well with the 3D printing software, but are not impossible--if this is where you are most comfortable modeling, stop by for a consultation.
Rhino exports have been successfully printed in the past, but it is not a software the Makerspace is familiar with using; we will likely still troubleshoot your .STL file in SketchUp.
What software does the Makerspace use for preparing (slicing) 3D print files?
We use the PrusaSlicer to check all 3D print files. The software is free to use, highly powerful, and ubiquitously known in the 3D printing community. We offer workshops on using this slicer. The slicer give you information about the print itself and allows you to define the properties of the print. If you are interested in slicing your own files and wish to have the Makerspace's PrusaSlicer configuration files please email Matt Noffisnger at mnoffsin@nd.edu.
Can I print something absolutely huge?
Probably not, but it depends. If a large scale is necessary for the level of detail you have, AND the majority of the print is of your own design, AND you come in to discuss it with us early enough, let's do it! We are limited by the number of available printers, need of other students to use them, and materials in stock.
How do I scale my model?
You will want to balance two considerations: how large the file needs to be to communicate your idea, and the size of the printing bed. With those in mind, some students opt for the largest possible model within the printing limits; others opt for a generic scale, such as 1:50. We are happy to scale your model for you as we preview it in Cura, based on your preferences.
Can I print in fun colors?
Absolutely. The Makerspace has an assortment of color swatches. Not all are stocked in house. Please visit the Makerspace to see options and plan accordingly in order to acquire the color you wish to use. Reminder, a lead time of at least two weeks is required when submitting your file for printing. Ordering colors may add to this time frame.
Can I print with multiple colors or materials?
Yes, you are able to print with multiple colors. This is subject to availability of the machine capable of doing such prints. A consultation is required for any print that is requesting more than one color. Please submit this form and indicate using the appropriate responses for your project. Please expect longer lead times for these prints.
Can I print a model I found online and downloaded?
It's possible. We reserve printing time for prints that are required for course or thesis work. You will want to look for models made with the intent of 3D-printing; Thingiverse and Printables are great places to look for models. As always, if you are using a model as part of your graded work, you need to site it correctly. Be sure to check with your Professor prior to printing it.