3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces

by Lydia Sloan Cline

Learn to model, print, and fabricate your own 3D designs--all with no prior experience!

This easy-to-follow, fun guide is full of hands-on 3D printing projects that will inspire makers of all types, ages, and skill levels. The book features highly illustrated, DIY examples that show, step-by-step, how to put 3D printing technology to work in your own designs.

3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces starts with simple one-piece items and then gradually introduces more complex techniques to make solid, flexible, and multi-piece snap-together creations. Screenshots, diagrams, and source code are provided throughout. Projects include a key charm, topo map, Spirograph game, polygon hat, phone case--even a realistic model plane!

- Covers Autodesk Fusion, AutoCAD, Inkscape, SketchUp, Vetric Cut 2D, and more
- Shows how to use 3D analysis tools to save time and cut waste
- Written by a dedicated maker and college instructor

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2017

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

First things first, it is very outdated. This isn't a criticism, just something to be aware of. It is 8 years old at this point, and both 3D printer hardware and CAD software have radically changed in that time - both in terms of what is available on the market, and what they can do.

My biggest issue with this book is it doesn't seem to know who its targeted audience is. The first section is about the different functions of printers, what different types of filament are, and other information that seems to be geared towards people who know nothing about 3D printing. But the projects are very high level and are not something that somebody should be attempting as their first 3D print. The projects are also weirdly organized, with the first projects being some of the most complicated and the later ones being simpler.

The cost estimate charts at the beginning of each project section are also laughably unhelpful because of how little useful information they give you. All of the major costs are just listed as "variable". For example, for the cost of both the actual printers and the computer, the recommendation is to either use a free one or buy your own. It also constantly recommends SketchUp pro, with a price estimate of either "free trial or $690". So your project could either cost you a couple of dollars or thousands. Well technically true, it's such a range, that it's almost pointless to even include it.

[Daniel Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book as a total 3D printer newbie. In full transparency I didn't try any of these projects, so they could be harder than they seem, but the instructions seem clear with plenty of photos.

Mostly, i wanted to see if I could learn more about how 3d printing works all together before I go to the library makerspace- and this book was great for that. It assumes you know nothing about printers and starts from there.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!
This book provides a lot of great step-by-step photos and instructions for doing 20 3D Printing projects including a Buddha Charm, a soap mold, a keyfob, art stencils, a phone case, cookie cutter, and more...interesting ideas and really each provides a jumping off point of ideas as well.

[ArchaeoLibraryologist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information and hands-on exercises

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a guide to making 3D projects with Maker Spaces. It is best used by Technology educators or parents and adults running children's programs for kids. The products are a bit cheesy, one is a poop emogi, created to delight late elementary or middle school kids. The book provides considerable instructions with photos to help the reader create the projects included in the book. Watching a three dimensional printer is cool and fun. Not sure the final products are very useful but I think the point is learning how to program the printer and producing the final project.

[Casseroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good BEGINNER practice book. Highly recommended.