3D Printing and Logo Guide

3D Printing Extra Credit

The 3D printing extra credit is given for designing your company logo, robot part, or course modification in any CAD (Computer Aided Design) software of your choice and having it approved for printing by a 3D printing specialist. Your designs will then be printed on a first come first served basis (If EG cannot print your design due to time or material constraints you will not be penalized).

Specifications

Logos:

• Maximum material usage does not exceed 15 grams total
• Can be one or two colors
  • Two STL files are required for two color logos
• Logos must be integrated with your project in some way:
  • Pin worn during final presentation
  • Attached to robot during commissioning video
    • Add provided Lego technic beam model to your part to allow it to be connected to your robot (in important downloads)
• Must be original content
  • Cannot simply be text on a geometric shape
• Must be .STL extension

Course Modifications/Robot parts:

• Maximum 1 Color
  • Maximum print size (8 x 8 x 8 in) and material usage cannot exceed 300 grams
  • If a part exceeds the maximum size, it cannot be split into multiple pieces for printing
  • Object may not be touched after the robot has started to run
• Original Design
  • Must be different from other groups’ submissions
  • Will be judged by 3D printing TA’s and Professors
• Must be .STL extension

Housing in Revit Models:

• Maximum two 3D printed floorplans for extra credit
  • Maximum print size 8 x 8 x 8 in
  • Wall height must be to scale with the floorplan
  • If printing two floors, second floor must nest on top of first floor
    • Elevator shafts aligning, stairs aligning, etc.
• Original designs
  • Must be different from other groups' submissions
• Must be .STL extension

Software

To design your logo you will need any CAD software as well as CURA. There are many options for software that can be used, the only necessary feature is that the software can export files as an STL (stereo lithography) extension. Some examples of these pieces of software are:

• Autodesk Inventor – Free student edition
• 123D – Free (Online)
• TinkerCAD – Free (Online)
• Blender – Free (Open source)
• OpenSCAD – Free (Open source)
• Solidworks – Available in NYU computer labs
• Rhinoceros – Free for mac

To make a 2 color design you will need to save your logo in two separate STL files (one for each color). The two files are then imported into CURA aligned and the extruders are selected.

Design Considerations

Make a flat bottom: A large flat bottom increases the adhesion between the build platform and the part, keeping the part from shifting around during a print.

Keep overhangs close to 45 degrees: Each layer of a 3D print needs to be supported from below. You can avoid adding additional supports to a print if all the overhanging parts are at no more than a 45 degree angle from vertical.

Avoid thin walls and thin columns: Thin walls and column often do not come out well. The thickness of a thin wall should be a multiple of 0.35mm. Thin columns will usually come out distorted because they melt under the nozzle.

Submission and General Guidelines

Submission of your 3D designed parts will take place through the EG website using the “3D Printing Submission” tab of the left menu. DO NOT USE THE NORMAL SUBMISSION TAB. Your submissions must be .STL files or .zip files.

If your logo has two colors, you must compress your two STL files into a .zip file for submission.

After your submission has been received, stop by the Modelshop to work with a ProtoLab TA at your earliest convenience. This process is necessary for your files to be approved and printed.

Once your design has been approved, you can choose to print it at the EG ProtoLab or self-print it at the MakerSpace. However, if you choose to self-print, it must be first approved by a ProtoLab TA, and the final printed part must be shown to a ProtoLab TA to receive extra credit.

As you are submitting your 3D designs for your logos, course modifications, or robot parts, please keep in mind the requirements posted on the EG Manual. If you have any further questions, please stop by the Modelshop and inquire a ProtoLab TA.

Deadlines

• Initial STL file submission is due before the day of your Milestone 2 presentation
  • The 3D printing process can take multiple revisions, you are required to submit a first attempt by Milestone 2 but you will be allowed to make any modifications until the final deadline of Milestone 3. If you miss the Milestone 2 deadline, subsequent submissions will not be considered.
• Final STL submission is due by your Milestone 3 presentation
  • No further submissions will be considered after this date
• If you choose to self-print your design, you must return to the ProtoLab with your printed part to receive credit by the Final SLDP Submission date

ProtoLab Schedule

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12PM to 6PM
• Wednesday 3PM to 6PM