Tool Box Tutorial 101

Last crawled date: 4 years, 2 months ago

Its your basic small box with a lid, but here is a 101--->
FDM printing is fun, but there are lots of blogs and even more y0utube videos. These are some is some basic things you should do when you are designing your parts.
Z-axis curves require cleanup/sanding.
Sanding/cleanup is something you want to avoid, the more you have to fix it is the less time you can spend designing and perfecting your other designs. Or designing something better. Try using less curves and more "low poly" edges to smooth designs.
Don't focus on learning CAD software off the bat.
I know some people can take to it like a fish to water, and others are passionate about it. i know engineers that can render a complex gear in 10 min. If your new to this hobby, tinker cad or similar software is your friend. Use thingiverse, but be a human customize it to suit your needs. Inkscape is awesome FYI
Get ready to have failed designs.
So important to fail, but LEARN from these failures. Failed prints are different, can't help if your hot end is set too low or clogs. i am talking about not leaving enough/too much clearance for a part.
KISS
Keep It Simple Stoopid, i know that two piece hinged latch is so awesome and moves perfect and printed as one piece... but think of the REAL world, Thin plastic parts break easy overbuilt things are bulky and look out of place. this box has a very simple catch on it, that works well enough for the application. sitting in a tool box 80% of the time, 20% in a tool bag on a honey do list. Real world simple stuff can easily get re-purposed.
Thanks to Makers Muse, 3dPrintingNerd, and CHEP for all your guidance