How to turn your ideas into physical objects using TEVO Tarantula
A fleshed out version of our recent video
At HausBots, we are passionate about educating the next generation. We have began posting 2 different video series on our Facebook and Youtube:
How2Bot: A series dedicated to learning the basics of 3D printing, rapid prototyping and robotics.
Robot RoundUp: Bi-weekly robotics news from around the globe.
This blog is a more in depth version of our most recent How2Bot video, so we can share some of the joy that 3D printing and prototyping has brought us. I will be writing it from the perspective of a total beginner, so you can go from nothing but an idea, to having a physical object in your hand.
DISCLAIMER: There are many ways to create physical objects, here we are going to discuss 3D printing.
1. Idea
The first step, is to have the idea. What problem do you want to solve? Are you fed up of your cables falling off the table? Do you want to be able to hold your phone on display in the car? Or are you thinking more complex, and wanting to build your own robot?
Whichever situation you are in, you need to have the idea, and start thinking about what ‘thing’ it is you want to make.
For the purpose of this blog, lets say you decide to make a phone holder for your car.
Idea stage: Done.
2. Draw it!
Every project ever started as a sketch with good old pencil and paper.
Start thinking about exactly how your phone clip will work, what dimensions does it need to be and how it should look.
This is where you can afford to make mistakes because it doesn’t cost anything to just start drawing again!
Once you’re settled on the dimensions and have some sketches showing the sizes, you’re done!
3. Design it
Next is turning your idea into a computerised version, what we call a CAD model. (CAD= Computer Aided Design).
Now, here you have 2 options, make it yourself, or use someone else’s designs.
To use someone else design, have a flick through this website: https://www.thingiverse.com/
Thingiverse is a website where other designers, just like you, upload their CAD files, all ready for you to download and use yourself, no strings attached. It’s great for simple designs, and saves you a lot of time.
However, if you’d like to make the CAD model yourself, you’ll need to go ahead and sign yourself up to a CAD package. There are many different versions, some free, some you pay for, just take a look through google!
If you’re a first time designer, you’re going to need to set aside A LOT of learning time.
Your first design will be rubbish.
But that’s the whole point, use youtube, books and other online resources to learn and get better, and soon you could design something like this:
4. Slice it!
After designing your CAD model, the model needs to be sliced.
No, don’t cut it up.
You need to upload the file into a Slicing Software. This is a piece of software which turns your model into instructions which your 3D printer is able to interpret.
Again, there are many out there, free or paid, just search google for the recommended slicer.
5. Print it!
This is my favourite part. You get to watch your 3D printer beavering away and printing your object.
Again, this is a LONG learning process, but once you’ve cracked it its smooth sailing.
We would recommend the TEVO Tarantula.
The printer is affordable, reliable and has a fantastic learning network. Any issues you have you can join the Facebook group HERE, and post your problems with other users.
Youtube is also FILLED with tutorials on how to work this printer so you can get the most out of it.
It will probably take you 4/5 hours to build it (it comes as a Kit from GearBest), but once that’s done you’ll understand the workings of it inside and out.
After this, it’s a case of using the tutorials and online information, to fine tune your printer.
6. Repeat
Once you’ve gone through that process, why stop there?
Go through Thingiverse and print anything your heart desires. Even make more of your own designs.
Welcome to the world of 3D printing, enjoy.
