Step 1: Choosing a CAD Program
All the 3D design files are created on one of many different CAD software. And there are many options available online but only some of them are really worth using. Also, there is a lot of confusion about whether to choose a free version of the software or the paid ones. So, to clear it out, we are only recommending free CAD programs available online for creating 3D design files. Here are the four most popular CAD programs for beginners:
TinkerCADSketchupFreeCADOnshape
All the four mentioned above work great for beginners but TinkerCAD has primarily been created while keeping in mind newbies to 3D printing. Meaning that it isn’t as complicated as the other three. You can get a hold of the software within the very first five minutes. After you’ve decided which CAD program to go with, you need to start designing a model.
Step 2: Creating a Design Using the Chosen Software
For creating a design using any of the four software mentioned above you can make use of the video tutorials available online. These tutorials guide you step by step to learn how to create designs. They make use of all the tools available in the program, thereby making you familiar with all of them. So, that even when you are done creating a design with the help of the tutorial you can comfortably start on your own.
Step 3: Saving and Exporting the Entire Design on your Computer
After you are done creating your design, you’ll have to save and export the same on your computer. While doing so, ensure that the file’s extension is STL – the most common extension valid for almost all 3D printers. Some software such as TinkerCAD is intuitive, in the sense that they auto-saves each change so there is hardly any chance of losing any work. The ‘Export’ button is present on the top right corner and when you click it, a pop-up box will be seen on the screen with a few options. Choose the relevant option to export the designed file on your computer.
Step 4: Choosing a Slicer Program
When it comes to slicing, Cura is the name that you’ll see suggested by different websites. It’s the slicing software that’s specifically recommended for 3D printer hobbyists for making their files print-ready. So, if you too are a beginner in the field it’s advisable to go with Cura. Not only is it beginner-friendly, but also it doesn’t take too long to get a grasp over the same. Some other names of slicers are Prusa and ChiTuBox. If you are a 3D printing beginner and don’t own a 3D printer, here are some of the Best 3D Printers for Beginners in the Market Right Now!
Step 5: Slicing your file with Desired Settings Into a G-code File
Slicing a file means preparing a CAD model for turning it into a G-code file that 3D printers can make use to create an object. G-codes are nothing else than instructions that tell a 3D printer what to do, which way to move at what temperature, and fan speed. While slicing a file, you can also have a preview of your model wherein viewing of each layer from the very base, to the top is possible. Slicing allows you to control functions such as:
Print speedNozzle temperatureBed temperatureRetraction settings Print order prioritizationCooling fan settingsInfill percentageInfill pattern
Although the above-mentioned functions are not all, slicing also lets you get a hold of more functions.
The Conclusion
Following these steps lead you to the creation of high quality STL files for 3D prints that can then be easily fed to your 3D printer, even if you’re a beginner. Once you’ve sliced a 3D-designed model you can simply get your USB or micro SD with the printer, plug it into your laptop or PC, and select the ‘save to removable device’ button to start 3D printing. Though at the start, following them completely might be difficult, once you get used to it, you can become an expert in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey of creating high quality STL files for 3D prints!
