OK..
So it looks like I've stumbled onto the right area to ask questions about 3D printing.
I have not had a chance to read through every post so if I ask a question that has been addressed or answered already please excuse my redundancy.
Right now I’m in a class with a new 3D printer (The Makerbot Replicator 2X). Since this is new technology being used at the college, just about everyone at school has a lot of questions.
One issue that came up is the use of the scanner. 1st of all the IT group at the college has not figured how to get anything, the scanner, or the 3D printer online, or configured.
2nd thing is the “Old School Approach” of working with the new hardware or software.What I mean simply is that we are being told to create a model “The Old Fashion Way”
1st in order to use the scanner. We would then scan the item, or project and then the scanner would “recreate” our clay, or foam-rubber model in the printer.
To me, this is a redundant step unless the instructors are just trying to give the student an idea of what it really takes to get an idea or product made.
This sounds like what we use to do when I was teaching AutoCAD meaning,
before we would let the student use the computer, we really would make them do a drawing by using a drafting board with “T-Squares” and “Straight Edges”.
I could be wrong but in this instance I believe this step is unnecessary. I think it would be a better use of time to tech or show the student how to convert the CAD file into a working 3D model,
and teach them the correct file format to use.
Any thoughts, information or help would be appreciated.
Thanks and Take care,
Milt Fitzgerald (a.k.a. Drafter1981)
Fitz’ Digital Cad Service L.L.C. (Consulting Business)
https://sites.google.com/site/fitzdigitalcadservice/