From 2D to 3D, no modeling experience needed! This time, we'll use two free software, TinkerCAD and Cura 3.6, to teach you how to easily make a 3D printed coaster step-by-step! Make whatever you want, unique and practical! Let's take a look at the finished drip-catching coaster:
First, prepare a black and white image you like and convert it into an SVG vector file. Many online tools can do this for free! We used the image below. The outermost frame is a circle, so you'll need to draw another image according to the area of the outer frame. Even MS Paint works!
Go online to TinkerCAD. Just sign up for 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 upper right corner to upload the two SVG files.
After importing the 2D images, they are automatically calculated into 3D models! Isn't that amazing? As long as you draw a 2D image, even an editor like me, who is clumsy at modeling, can create custom products. It's truly moving!
The same method applies to the outline base. 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 and right once, then front and back once). The orange wireframe in the image is the preview before alignment.
After alignment, they will be completely overlapping circular shapes. Now, select only the pattern part and hold the central arrow to move it up to the desired height (you can move it left and right freely, but to move it up and down, you need to 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" to automatically combine them into a single entity, then click to save as an STL file.
Directly import it into Cura 3.6. The file is ready for 3D printing, and you can start 3D printing now! Is the size too large? No problem, you can adjust the size you want in the control panel on the left.
This time, we used the Ultimaker 3 with silver PLA material. This filament has a metallic texture and is very popular. We chose the highest precision for 3D printing, which took about 2 hours to complete and is ready to use. You can make any pattern you want!
With a 3D printed drip-catching coaster, you no longer have to worry about condensation or dripping from cold drink cups. It catches all the drips for you, so you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at the office. With the recent drizzly weather, it feels quite romantic (my boss is behind me, and he looks angry).
In addition to being a helpful tool for industrial prototyping, 3D printers can also be a personalized assistant. How do you make a drip-catching coaster? It's super simple in 5 steps:
. Prepare an image and convert it to an SVG file.
. Import it into the free online software TinkerCAD.
. Align objects and export the STL file.
. Put it into the free slicing software Cura.
.3D print and use it directly.
We hope you enjoyed this simple making tutorial. If you have any other simpler methods or creative ideas, please feel free to share them with us! All the latest news will be posted on our fan page. Follow us to get the latest updates!
Are you interested in 3D printing related technologies? Then you definitely can't miss the 3D Printing Lecture event on March 8th. Experts from various fields will answer your questions about modeling, scanning, and printing – all three technologies are covered! Seating is limited, so reserve your spot quickly!
. Click here for event details!
Follow our fan page to not miss out on good deals: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/