Mechanical Engineering: 3D Printing
Guide content supports the teaching and research goals of multiple departments on campus. Content represents a non-exhaustive selection of essential resources and tools for engaging a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints.
3D Printing
3D Model Repositories
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SketchfabSketchfab is an online platform for hosting and sharing 3D models. Models may be annotated, color-coded, and have voice overs or audio to serve as teaching tools. Here's a listing of a few institutional Sketchfab accounts that have anatomical models available for teaching and learning.
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Ruth Lilly Medical Library Anatomical Models CollectionAnnotated and color-coded anatomical 3D models hosted on Sketchfab.
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University of Dundee, CAHIDAnatomical models for the University of Dundee, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification hosted on Sketchfab
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University Medical Center Groningen eLearningAnatomical models developed at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands hosted on Sketchfab.
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Anatomography - BodyParts 3DAn interactive website which supports generating anatomical diagrams and animations of the human body. The Anatomography website is maintained by the DBCLS (Database Center for Life Science) non-profit research institute located at the University of Tokyo.
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NIH 3D Print ExchangeThe NIH 3D Print Exchange provides models in formats that are readily compatible with 3D printers, and offers a unique set of tools to create and share 3D-printable models related to biomedical science.
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ThingiverseMakerBot's Thingiverse is a design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things.
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3D Warehouse3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.
Publications
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MorphoMuseuMMorphoMuseuM is a peer reviewed journal that publishes 3D models of vertebrates, including models of type specimens, anatomy atlases, reconstruction of deformed or damaged specimens, and 3D datasets. Acceptable 3D file types are .ply, .vtk, and .st
3D Modeling Software
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TinkerCADTinkerCAD is a free, easy-to-use online program for those looking to get started with 3D modeling.
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Autodesk - Fusion360Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing.
Students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable as long as they remain eligible. -
BlenderBlender is a free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Slicing Software
A slicer program converts your 3D scans/models into files that contain instructions that your 3D printer can easily understand, thus making them ready for printing.
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Ultimaker CuraPrepare prints with a few clicks, integrate with CAD software for an easier workflow, or dive into custom settings for in-depth control.
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Cura LulzBot EditionCura LulzBot Edition is a Free Software program that both prepares files for printing by converting model into GCODE.
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FormLabs PreFormDesign a model in standard CAD software, then import the STL or OBJ file into the print preparation software, PreForm. Get your model ready in minutes, upload to the printer, and let it build.
Local Resources
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Engineering Library 3D PrinterThe Engineering Library owns a MakerBot Replicator Mini, using the MakerBot Print software, to print models up to 4″ x 4″ x 5″. Larger models must be printed using the Engineering Technology Centers.
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Engineering Technology Centers - 3D Printing ServicesThe Engineering Technology Centers offers two levels of 3D printing.
- Basic 3D Printing provided by the Engineering Electronics Shop using consumer grade 3D printing services via Makerbot 3D.
- Advanced 3D Printing provided by the Engineering Machine Shop using advanced additive printing techniques by optimizing resolution, slicing, materials, and build orientation with the use of commercial grade 3D printers.