At present we have a group of printers on trial, whilst we try to find the ones which best suit your needs. Please do use them as outlined below, and let us have feedback on your preferences.
The process is as follows:
- Obtain an .stl file for the item you would like to 3D print.
- If you'd simply like to try a 3D printer, then select something to 3D print from an internet site such as Thingiverse (may be good to start with something simple).
- Or more normally, draw the item you want in your preferred drawing package:
- Creo is available on the Department's DPO machines
- A free version of Sketchup Make seems to be available for personal use.
- What is an .stl file? Answer from 3D Systems. Answer from Wikipedia.
- How do I...
- Export .stl files from [formerly Google's] Sketchup
- Export .stl files from Creo (Pro-Engineer)
- Export .stl files from SolidWorks
- Export .stl files from AutoDesk Inventor
- Export .stl files from Catia
- Export .stl files from IronCAD
- Export .stl files from McNeel Rhino
- Export .stl files from Solid Edge
- Export .stl files from UGS NX
- We'd suggest checking out your .stl file with a viewer for any issues.
- For the RS Ideawerk Plus/Pro (WT280A) 3D Printer - (link to RS page)
- Run software DoraWare-P to convert .stl file into G-Code and finally a .wtk file.
- Step-by-step guide to using the DoraWare-P software
- Where can I find the DoraWare-P software?...
- To emphasise, your G-Code needs to specify the correct bed and nozzle temperatures for the material you will be printing with - if you missed out the step above, please go back and use the Step-by-step guide above!
- Copy your file onto a suitable memory stick.
- The printer will have issues with sticks above 32GB (issues are not well defined at this stage, so 32+GB sticks best avoided).
- Best not to use file names longer than 8 characters long (plus the .wtk extension), as they will be shortened by the machine!
- The machine will have issues with more than 20 files on the stick, and above 58 it will fail to function.
RLR, 18 November 2015