A real hobby for a real engineer
Friday became a greenfield project day last month. But since this Friday is May 1st known as Labour Day - it’s a bank holiday. Really logical move, isn’t it?
Since I spent entire day outside the office doing seasonal maintenance for my car. We have to change tires twice a year - before and after the winter. And this year winter did not go away until today.
Nevertheless I felt an urge to write I thought it shall me something unusual. And here I am sharing my excitement about 3D printing technology. As I have renaissance and 2nd round of my journey in this area.
What 3D printing is?
You can read specific and scientific description on Wiki or other sources, but the most relevant aspects for me are:
- it’s done layer by layer
- it is small enough to fit printer at home (I got 2 now!)
- and it’s controlled by computer (yes!)
Since computers are involved - it matches my interests enough to activate my curiosity.
In reality 3D printer is a precise, computer controlled tool that uses motors and heated plastic (the most common material) and use moving parts to form an end product (item) layer by layer. This is a captivating process. A few button clicks and hours of waiting and you get an exemplar of any item you can imagine and draw in CAD format.
What do I print?
Most of the time I bring practical items. Years ago, when I started with my Ender 3 V2 Neo I started with improving printer. Raisers, covers, tool organizer. With the old generation speed even small parts were taking at least couple of hours.
Then I went with organizers, cable holder, charger holder and various items to organize, mount and carry different items. One of the longest and biggest print - charging station for iPhone (Magsafe) and Apple Watch. Works up to this day for a few years.
Another example of relatively big project was self-made antena for the 4G router. My measurement shows it provides a few dB gain. At least it was doing so in it’s 2nd season last year.
Thingiverse used to be my go-to source for STL files. STL files are the most common format to share 3D object design. However, STL should be compared to blueprint. But you also need specific set of instructions that is called G-code. Weirdly it always may me think was a big corporation using „G” in their name involved while this format was invented?
Since I got A1 from Bambu Lab now I am using MakerWorld that provides lots of convenience specifialy for Bambu Lab printers. With 3MF files you can skip the process of fine tuning tons of parameters of the print and end up with simple adjustment most probably related to specific filament (plastic material).
Cult3D is another reliable source. Some premium designs are really nice, yet these are sold for real money. But that’s fair taking into account how advance these project might be.
What’s interesting about it?
The entire process sometimes is magic. Sometimes it’s magic how fast and easy you can experience how items are built. Sometimes it’s magic because I experience a failure despite hours I spend on preparations. Nevertheless the results are worth the effort. And each failure motivates to learn more about the process, tweak and tune settings, adjust approach and sometimes - exercise myself on patience.
Getting hands on A1 from Bambu Lab allowed me experience how much have changed in last year. Comparing to my Ender it’s like driving in a car instead of cycling. And it’s not just the speed: overall comfort, ease of use and effort it requires to get the results.
In the next article I will touch a very interesting aspect of Software - the one I’ve been using, the one I’m learning and the difference.
In the end I can’t really say that’s a hobby. At least for me. It feels like it’s something more than exchange time and effort for the pleasure. 3D printing can solve multiple household and daily life problems efficiently, and maybe one day it will become a very common tool for the households. And we won’t have to spend tons of resource to deliver goods. Downloading a bunch of files and a few hours will let you produce anything without leaving a couch.