3D Printing

What Makes a Successful 3D Printing Career in India

In 3D printing, you can go about your job with a “one size fits all” approach. But, that doesn’t work in 3D modelling, and that’s what makes it a difficult task at times. Everybody uses

In 3D printing, you can go about your job with a “one size fits all” approach. But, that doesn’t work in 3D modelling, and that’s what makes it a difficult task at times. Everybody uses different software, prints using different materials, and they even use different printers and make use of different printing technologies. So, it’s quite usual to feel lost at times. It may seem to be tough to design a perfect 3D model for 3D printing.

Here is a quintessential list of mistakes you need to avoid to achieve success in 3D printing in India.

Ignoring material guidelines

All printing materials have different properties. It can be flexible or stiff, smooth or rough, strong or brittle, heavy, or light. The list goes on. In an ideal way, an object should be designed from a specific material. 

Your choice of printing material plays a significant role in determining some of the basic design guidelines that you ought to follow.

Ignoring printing technology

It isn’t just the basic chemical properties of printing materials where there’s a lot of diversity. The technologies that are used for printing each of these materials also differ in numerous aspects.

You always have to bear in mind: stainless steel and silver do not have similar requirements just because they are both metals. They have to be printed using different technologies, and hence, there will be some differences in the design features. But, materials having similar design requirements like Gold, Silver, and Bronze need the same technology. 

Ignoring wall thickness

Issues relating to wall thickness are probably the most common when it comes to the non-printability of 3D models. Walls being too thin prove to be the issue in some cases. It is not possible to print the small parts on these walls, or they are very fragile and break off easily. In some cases, the high thickness of the walls creates a lot of internal stress. It can lead to the cracking or even breaking of the item.

Ignoring file resolution

After going through everything, you still need to consider the file resolution. The most common file format here is STL, meaning that your design will be broken into triangles in a 3D space. Most 3D modelling software gives you the option to convert your designs into an STL file and set the required resolution. 

Ignoring software guidelines

Different individuals use different 3D modelling software packages. Some of these are fabricated for creating 3D prints. Whereas others are mostly used by 3D artists, and the designs created on them need further editing before they can be printed into a 3D model. For example, in some programs, wall thickness is automatically applied, while they have to be manually specified in others. 

The above mistakes are the most common amongst all 3D artists of any level. Make sure not to make them in your projects, and you’ll undoubtedly become a well-known name in 3D printing in India.