Validation before sending off to 3D printing.

[phillipzan2005]

Hi pretty new to fusion.. I modeled up a prototype pc mother board covers. I was hopping I could have the community take a look before I send it to someone to have it 3D printed. Also any recommendations on were to get it 3D printed would be greatly appreciated. 

[etfrench]

What's going into the circled areas?  If nothing, then it's best to make them solid and let the printer do the infill.

Where are the fasteners?

[phillipzan2005]

I'm not sure what circled areas you are talking about, but if their are any areas that are hollow they are for clearance. Unfortunately the picture I imported and the actual dimensions were slightly off so that is why I wanted to have one made and then test fit and make adjustments as needed. The bolt holes are kinda a work in progress, but i was thinking bout making them to be just a press fit for studs type stand off. 

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

It looks like I neglected to attach the image 😣

[phillipzan2005]

Yea those were the areas that I thought yo were talking about. basically component clearance and I might end up trimming some of the outside depending on how things fit.  I figured less weight also. The areas that are not extruded are where the mount holes will be. Not sure how I want to mount them yet, but I figured the next revision I would figure it out. Along with figuring out any clearance issues .

[laughingcreek · Accepted solution]

As a general rule of thumb, wall thicknesses shouldn't be less than 2mm for most commercial 3d printing processes.  exception to every rule of course, but it's a good starting point.  Most companies will post design guidelines about that sort of thing as it pertains to their process.  you have several walls that are between 1 and 2 mm.  

I would consider making all the wall thicknesses the same thickness through out.

printing will be cheaper if you get rid of the slab areas and shell them out also, printing cost are determined either by time on machine, or volume of material, depending on company.  a solid cube will be MUCH more expensive than a shelled cube-

Also, where you have the chamfers, it gets thin.  probably want a matching chamfer on the underside.

This area is a non-manifold edge.  the solids areas on each side meat at an infinitely thin line.  Many printers will kick this back because it will produce an error in the mesh.  you should fix it even if they don't reject it.  there should either  be some thickness added to where this connection is, or the edge/face should be pulled back so there is a gap.

For high quality prints that I use as an investment casting master, I've been using this outfit-

www.zelta3d.com