3D Printed Case Demonstrates Unquestionable Superiority in Three-Dimensional Construction
Creating a Crystal-Like 3D Printed Case with a Single Continuous Path
A team at [porchLogic] has developed a unique approach to 3D printing, aiming to create a crystal-like case with a single continuous path for improved visual and mechanical quality. The project, which utilizes custom enclosure design, innovative non-planar infill techniques, and careful filament selection, offers an exciting advancement in 3D printing technology.
Key Steps and Factors
- Filament Selection
For this project, PETG filament was chosen over transparent PLA. PETG offers better durability and visual clarity than PLA, which tends to dent easily and appear less appealing. However, PETG is prone to stringing, which was mitigated through a strategic printing approach rather than a filament change alone.
- Enclosure Design
The custom enclosure for the project was designed from scratch using tools like Rhino and Grasshopper to generate custom G-code. The design allows the printer's hot end to trace a single continuous path, reducing stringing and blobs, with minor exceptions such as a small, easy-to-remove plastic blob for a USB port opening.
- Printing Strategy
Custom G-code was required to enable a continuous single-path print, as standard slicers generally do not support this mode. Non-planar infill and other advanced infill techniques were employed to strengthen prints and improve aesthetics by enabling the print head to move smoothly in three dimensions. Innovative non-planar infill approaches were used to improve structural integrity and visual appeal and complement continuous-path printing by avoiding layer lines.
- Enclosure and Print Path Optimization
Parametric design methods, like Grasshopper scripting, were used to generate paths that allow continuous extrusion. This involved mathematically generating disclination paths or structured continuous curves, ensuring paths did not require retractions or travel moves away from the printed part.
Results
The design of the enclosure, as created by [porchLogic], successfully achieved the desired results. A small blob of plastic was created where the USB port opening is in the enclosure, but this can be easily removed once the print is complete. Strings coming off the start and end points of the print are present in the final product, but the overall quality of the crystal-like case is significantly improved through the implementation of continuous-path printing and innovative infill techniques.
Tips and Collaborations
[Uxorious] and [Keith Olson] provided a tip for this project, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution to achieve a successful single continuous path print. [porchLogic] also chose PETG filament for the project, despite its tendency for stringing, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology.
[1] [porchLogic] (2021). Continuous Path Printing for a Crystal-Like 3D Printed Case. [Online]. Available: https://www.porchlogic.com/continuous-path-printing-for-a-crystal-like-3d-printed-case/ [5] [Keith Olson] (2021). 3D Printing: Non-Planar Infill and Disclination Paths. [Online]. Available: https://keitholson.com/3d-printing-non-planar-infill-and-disclination-paths/
The unique approach to 3D printing by [porchLogic] involves utilizing hardware components such as 3D printers and software such as Rhino and Grasshopper in order to create a crystal-like case with a single continuous path, which is an advancement in technology that aims to improve both visual and mechanical quality. The team's commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology is further demonstrated by their choice of PETG filament, despite its tendency for stringing, as they strive to achieve a single continuous path print.
