EMPOWERMENT TECHNOLOGIES
BASIC
PRINCIPLES OF
3D MODELING
The 3D Printing/AM Process
Model Creation Slicing 3D Printing Post-processing
Online cloud/CAD STL conversion Machine setup Removal,
Build Application
What is CAD?
Computer-Aided Design
– refers to the use of computer technology to assist in the
creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of designs
and drawings.
– allows designers and engineers to create detailed and
accurate 2D or 3D models of objects, structures, or systems
– provides tools for precise measurements, geometric
calculations, and the application of materials and textures
to simulate real-world conditions
What is CAD?
Many professions use CAD:
• Architects
• Civil Engineers
• Construction Professionals
• Mechanical Engineers
• Manufacturers
• Car Designers
• Animators
• Game Developers
How CAD improves the design process
Recognition of need
Identify
problem
Definition of problem
Synthesis Create
Improve Analysis and Optimization
Evaluation
Finalized
Presentation
Plan
Groover, M., & Zimmers, E. W. J. R. (1983). CAD/CAM: computer-aided design and manufacturing. Pearson Education.
How CAD improves the design process
Recognition of need
Definition of problem
CAD
Synthesis Geometric Modeling
Analysis and Optimization Engineering Analysis
Evaluation Design Review & Eval
Presentation Automated Drafting
Overall, CAD has significantly streamlined the design process, reducing time-to-
market, improving design quality, and enabling greater innovation in various industries.
Groover, M., & Zimmers, E. W. J. R. (1983). CAD/CAM: computer-aided design and manufacturing. Pearson Education.
Reasons for Implementing CAD
• To increase the productivity of the designer
• To improve the quality of design
• Fewer design errors, flexibility in design
• To improve communications through documentation
• To create a database for manufacturing
CAD Software
Paid CAD software Freewares
What is Tinkercad
• a user-friendly, web-based application that enables individuals, particularly
beginners and students, to create 3D designs and models without the need for
extensive CAD (Computer-Aided Design) expertise
• It is also used for electronics and coding.
Tinkercad of Tinkercad
1. Limited shapes to choose from.
2. Free drawing can’t be done.
3. Website can be slow at times.
Tinkercad User Interface
1. Toolbar
2. Perspective
1
menu 2 4
3. Workplane 3
5
4. Helpers
section
5. Shapes panel
The 3D Printing Process
Slicing 3D Printing Post-processing
Model Creation
STL conversion Machine setup Removal,
Online cloud/CAD
Build Application
Sometimes, you can just download a 3D model online or
create a model through a 3D scanner.
Downloading 3D models
Online communities for discovering, making, and sharing 3D models
Thingiverse – www.thingiverse.com
YouMagine – www.youmagine.com
MyMiniFactory – www.myminifactory.com
Cults 3D – www.cults3d.com
Free3D – www.free3d.com
3D scanning
• a process of collecting 3D data of an object’s
shape and appearance using a 3D scanner.
• Turning a physical object into a 3D model
3D Printing Guide for Teachers. (n.d.). The PrintLab Classroom.
Retrieved May 12, 2022 from https://classroom.weareprintlab.com/
3D scanning
3D scanning opens a world of opportunities that include
i. Preservation of artifacts
ii. Ability to reverse engineer products
iii. Ability to recreate models in a wide range of materials
iv. Accurate inspection of objects (e.g. precise measurements of
distances and surfaces)
v. Designing customized products (e.g. prosthetics that fit a
patient perfectly)
Exporting a Design in Tinkercad
• Click the export button
Exporting a Design
STL OBJ GLTF
“Standard Tessellation Language” “Wavefront Object” “GL Transmission Format”
or “Stereolithography”
• Encodes the geometry of the • Contains several polygons • Stores 3D model
3D model through triangular in the same file information in JSON format
meshes • Supports precise surface • Includes information about
• Does not contain info aside encoding node hierarchy, materials,
from the model’s geometry • Can store color and texture cameras, as well as
information descriptor information for
meshes, animations and
other constructs
Exporting a Design
STL OBJ
Triangular mesh Polygon mesh
What is an STL file? Adapted from sculpteo. Retrieved from Horse – 3D Computer Graphics Polygon Mesh Mule. Adapted from FAVPNG by
https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/create-3d-file/what-is- ECReactiioN, 2019. https://favpng.com/png_view/horse-3d-computer-graphics-
an-stl-file/ polygon-mesh-mule-cinema-4d-png/m0RWRH00
Why are 3D models made
of triangles?
As triangles have a minimal vertex count, they are the most
efficient polygons in terms of computational overhead. Triangles
can also approximate curved shapes effectively with fewer vertices
allowing for more efficient rendering.
Download Ultimaker Cura
Download and install the Ulitmaker Cura in your computers.
https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/releases/download https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/releases/downloa
/5.1.1/Ultimaker-Cura-5.1.1-win64.exe d/5.1.1/Ultimaker-Cura-5.1.1-mac.dmg
