From flat to 3D, no modeling experience required! This time, we'll guide you step-by-step through creating super simple 3D printed coasters using two free software programs: TinkerCAD and Cura 3.6! Make anything you want; it'll be unique and practical! First, let's take a look at the finished drip-catching coaster:
First, prepare a black and white image you like and convert it to an SVG vector file. Many online tools can convert files for free! The pattern we used is shown below. The outermost frame is circular, so you'll need to draw another image according to the area of the outer frame. Even MS Paint can do it!
Go to TinkerCAD online. All you need is a quick account; online modeling is free and requires no download. After entering the page, open a new design project, then click "Import" in the top right to upload the two SVG files you just created.
After importing the flat image, it's automatically rendered into a 3D model! Isn't that amazing? By just drawing a flat image, even someone as bad at modeling as me can create custom products. It's so touching!
The base outline is created in the same way. After importing both files, select them all and use the "Align" function in the upper right corner. Click on the desired alignment directions (align left/right and front/back once each). The orange outline in the image is a preview before alignment.
After alignment, they will be perfectly overlapping circular shapes. At this point, select only the pattern part, hold the central arrow, and move it up to the desired height (you can move it left and right freely; to move it up and down, you must hold the move arrow). The 3D model of the drip-catching coaster is complete! It's that simple!
Click "Export" in the upper right corner, select "All objects in design" which will automatically combine them into a single entity, then save it as an STL file.
Directly import it into Cura 3.6, and the file for 3D printing is ready! Now you can proceed with 3D printing! Is the size too big? No worries, you can adjust the size you want in the control panel on the left.
This time, we're using an Ultimaker 3 with silver PLA material. This filament has a popular metallic texture. We're choosing the highest accuracy for 3D printing. It takes about 2 hours to print and then it's ready to use. You can make any pattern you like!
With a 3D printed drip-catching coaster, you no longer have to worry about cold drinks "sweating" and dripping from the side of the cup. It will catch all the drips, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at the office. Coupled with the recent drizzly weather, it feels quite romantic (my boss is behind me, and he looks angry).
Besides being a helpful tool for industrial prototyping, a 3D printer can also be a custom secretary. How do you make a drip-catching coaster? 5 super simple steps:
. Prepare an image and convert it to an SVG file.
. Import it into the free online software TinkerCAD.
. Align objects and export as an STL file.
. Put it into the free slicing software Cura.
. 3D print and use directly.
We hope you enjoyed this simple making tutorial. If you have any other simpler methods or creative ideas, feel free to share them with us! All the latest news will be published on our Facebook page. Follow us to get first-hand information anytime!
Are you interested in 3D printing related technologies? Then you absolutely can't miss the 3D Printing Lecture event on March 8th! From modeling and scanning to printing, experts from various fields will answer your questions, covering all three technologies! Seating is limited, first come, first served!
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