First Layer (31/07/19)

Today, I received my primer from Amazon.

I set up my “workspace” outside as you should only use spay cans outside or in extremely well ventilated rooms. I put down some old newspapers and placed rocks on them to keep them in position. Though on the can of primer it indicates to wear protective clothing, mouth protection and eye protections, an apron, a hygiene mask 😷 and old sunglasses will do the job. The next thing I did after having set up the newspapers and chosen appropriate clothing, is to test the wind. You want to be standing in the direction from which the wind is coming so that the spray is not blown into you. Then, I started spraying.

I sprayed my print from 20cm away as the instructions on the can suggested. After 5-20 seconds of spraying (depending on the size of the object) you should turn over the object to prime another side.

After having primed each side, I hung up the print to let it dry. However, since it isn’t perfect and I can still see some blue, I’ll spay another layer tomorrow.

Watch this space!

Second Layer (1/08/19)

I quickly sprayed a second layer this morning and left it out to dry. I did a quick sand at 2000 grit to smooth it out and then started painting it gold.

Recently, I bought some post-processing equipment to improve my prints. This included: Sand paper, a primer and paint.

Today I sanded my print. I started at 120 grit sandpaper and worked my way up to 3000 grit sandpaper. I spent 5-10 minutes on each different level. Because of some imperfections in the print, the sanding was only effective in some areas and left exposed layers in some zones. I found from previous sanding experiences and from this one that a (cork) sanding block helps greatly and facilitates the task of sanding. One can be bought off Amazon for around £1.50.

After a bit more than an hour, I finished. Though it looked rough and similar to before sanding, the print was extremely smooth (apart from the print imperfections). I was very satisfied with my work and surprised at such a successful sanding.

A few sanding tips

It’s a good idea to do your sanding outside as lots of plastic powder can fall off the print as you sand.

As you sand, the sandpaper often gets smoother too. However, there is no point sanding something if the paper has become much smoother than the print.

Sanding your finger is not enjoyable, so be careful not to sand yourself.

Before Sanding

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After Sanding

Similarly to my last post, this will be another reason in greater detail to buy a 3D printer.

3D printers can be a source of income by selling objects to friends, family and even random people through specialised websites.

To make these toys you can either download existing STL models off websites(Thingiverse, Cults3D), or you can create your own.

Downloading existing STL models is clearly the simpler option so I’ll start with that. You can simply open up one of the websites, search for a specific or just explore popular items and then download. There is no need to create an account in most an you can download just about anything: from construction toys to fidgeting toys! However, when downloading and printing an object that you are going to sell, check the license to see if you are allowed to use the model for commercial purposes.

Creating your own 3D models can be much harder. There are 3 options:

1) 3D Scan an object. Take a few hundred photos of an object and put them into a special application. Meshroom and X3D Zephr are good free options.

2) Create a CAD model. This is the hardest. You need to get a special modelling application to form your print. As well as being the hardest, this is the longest as it can take up to a month to make an impressive, detailed model. Be sure to share with the community!

3) Remix a model. I know, this is hardly creating your own model but if you seriously change and improve a model, it still counts. If you do make a remix, once again, be sure to share it with the community and give credit to the original designer.

After you have printed your 3D model, you still need to post-process it before selling it. This means: sanding, polishing, sticking parts together, priming and painting. After post-processing, you can finally sell your print at a price that is acceptable for the buyer and profitable for you.

If you are interested in buying a 3D Printer, please Contact Me