Well, trial and error is why we are doing this, right? Quite mind blowing that this was a real need and was really made using only Photoshop and our 3D printer.
As I mentioned previously, the drivers for the Makerbot is built right into Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC). As part of the printing process, it adds those support structures you see in the image above automatically. Chip suggested we print the device lying on it’s side, so, the printer can’t print on “air” – these structures give it something to “rest” on as it creates the open areas for the D.
Removing the “raft” was interesting as well. The printer prints a little “platform” for the unit to rest on to make it easier to remove from the platform and also to provide support for the object while it was printing. First approach above was to use an X-Acto® Knife. Wasn’t gonna cut it.
Next up was the Dremel®. Sure it worked, but it made a huge mess and I was concerned I would take too much off and ruin the object.
Brute force, courtesy of the Leatherman®. Well, it actually wasn’t that much brute force and seems to be the optimum way to remove the raft and support structures. The system seems smart enough to not attach these helper objects so tightly that it comes off with a little applied force fairly cleanly. A light sanding wouldn’t hurt. Very smart system.
Best of all. It works!
The purpose of the grooves in the back is both aesthetic and to save materials. Same reason for the “D” which proved to be a great challenge – to cut out the face of the unit. It was really a project of putting something in my mind into the physical world and speaks volumes to the potential of this technology.
