LibGuides: 3D Printing at the SMS: Printing Tips & Tricks

General tips & tricks

8 Tips for 3D printing with SketchUp
(from MasterSketchup.com)
3D printing basics
(from 3ders.org)
Preparing a model for 3D printing
(from About.com 3D)
Introduction to dual extrusion on the Makerbot Replicator 2x
(video by Makerbot)

Finishing techniques for 3D prints

You've produced a 3D print. Now what? Learn more about ways in which to add a finishing touch to your 3D model.

2 expert tips to give your 3D prints smooth, colorful finishes
(from MAKE) Learn about hydrographics, a technique that allows users to apply a detailed, 2D pattern to a 3D print
3D print - finishing with paint
(From MAKE) This article offers a side-by-side comparison between various markers and paints

Sketchup Tutorials

10 SketchUp tips every modeler should know
10 important Sketchup features to know about. If you don't have the time or patience to watch video tutorials at least read through this!
SketchUp Campus
Self-paced, in-depth training on using SketchUp
Introduction to SketchUp interface
New to Sketchup? Start by familiarizing yourself with the program
(Videos) SketchUp YouTube Channel
A landing page for SketchUp's video tutorials on YouTube
(Videos) Creating organic shapes in SketchUp
(Video) Customize your SketchUp workspace
(Video) Using layers in SketchUp

Tinkercad Tutorials

Keyboard shortcuts for the Tinkercad Editor
(from the Tinkercad blog)
Tinkercad Quests
Interactive tutorials from Tinkercad to introduce users to the editing tool
Heard rumors that Tinkercad was going away?
If you've done searches on Tinkercad you may have seem articles stating that Tinkercad was no longer being developed and would soon disappear completely. Fear not - Autodesk bought Tinkercad! Read on for details.
How to 3D print a vector file using Tinkercad
(from instructables.com)

Rhino tips & tricks

Model preparation in Rhino
(from Williamette University) important aspects of your model to review before having it 3D printed

We do not currently have Rhino on our machines in the SMS so unfortunately we are not able to provide much instructional support. However, here are a few resources that may be of use to Rhino users.

Rhino - tutorials
(from Rhinoceros)

Online 3D modeling communities

CGTrader
an online collection of free and purchasable 3D models
My Mini Factory
Downloadable 3D models (some free); sign up for a free account to earn free credits toward downloads; upload your own designs to earn more credits (and can even charge for your models)
Pinshape
an assortment of free and purchasable 3D model files
Ponoko
Make, share, buy or sell 3D product designs
Shapeways
Make, buy and sell 3D printed products
Sketchfab
Online community for publishing and browsing 3D models - some offer the option to download
Smithsonian X 3D
The Smithsonian is in process of digitizing its collection in 3D and offers free, downloadable model files
Thingiverse
(Curated by Makerbot) An online community of free, downloadable 3D model designs
YouMagine.com
a file-sharing 3D printing community with a built-in web-based 3d modeling tool

3D printing instructional materials

Introduction to 3D printing
(from Stratasys) Download FREE materials for a semester-long course in 3D printing

Library Locations at the Kent Campus

Regional Campus Libraries

3D Printing at the SMS: Printing Tips & Tricks

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General tips & tricks

Finishing techniques for 3D prints

Sketchup Tutorials

Tinkercad Tutorials

Rhino tips & tricks

Online 3D modeling communities

3D printing instructional materials

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