3D printing

 For this week, we were tasked to make an object that cannot be created subtractively. I hence experimented with different abstract functions and objects and came up with a floating design of 2 intercepting triangles.

Firstly, I created the sketch.

I then proceeded to extrude the sketch with different taper angles, which resulted with the narrow edges being shorter in height compared to the flat triangles.

I then proceeded to create a plane on the flat triangle and mirrored the design

I then saved this design as an STL file and exported it into Cura for slicing. The estimated time was 1 hour and 17 minutes, hence I reduced the dimensions slightly and changed the infill and profile, and lowered it down to 40 minutes. The infill I used is 10% as the shape I've used doesn't need to be strong to compressional forces. I chose 0.2 as the profile as I was ok with sacrificing a bit of quality and detail to the design.

STL file link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-CxmFeWyfIGK9qoG0Af-bXk_d7LWlwa/view?usp=sharing

The 3D printer we were using is the creality ender 3

Final product: 

Heroshot: 

After the experience, I became more confident in my abilities to design, slice, and use the 3d printer. and as my product did not turn out the ways I expected it to as the overhangs dipped back down and came into contact at some areas also made me realize that I needed more time to learn and research about the overhang limits of the printers we were using. It also made me realize how time-consuming 3D printing actually is as for such a small design, it still took 40 minutes. But I am confident that we will be definitely integrating the 3d printing technology into our future projects both in the next term and in year 3.