Practical making
I used my own 3D printer to make practical objects rather than treating printing as a purely theoretical design exercise. Examples include a compact wallet for cards and a stand for a camera.
Workflow
Taking an object from an idea to a useful print involved more than sending a model to the printer. I worked through the complete desktop-manufacturing workflow:
- Preparing or adapting the 3D model
- Orienting the part for strength and printability
- Configuring the slicer, layer height, infill, walls, and supports
- Preparing and calibrating the printer
- Diagnosing failed or imperfect prints
- Iterating tolerances and geometry based on the physical result
What I learned
3D printing gave me practical intuition for the gap between a design that looks correct on screen and an object that works in the real world. It strengthened my understanding of prototyping, tolerances, material and orientation trade-offs, and patient iteration.
I plan to add photographs of the card wallet and camera stand once I locate or take them.