For this project I chose the intermediate level, as I had already 3D printed before. I decided to 3D pring spheres that cannot be created without 3D printing. I used FDM for all 5 samples as SLA is not a method that supports 3D printed spheres with a complex internal structure.
In order to 3d print these spheres I used the same settings for both machines. I used a 15% infill, a 1mm layer height, and a 0.15mm wall thickness, as the instructions indicated. I used the same settings for both FDM machines: the Bamboo machine, and the Prusa i3-style machines. I also modified the size of the spheres so that they fitted in the given capsules.
I used the following settings and it took a long time to print (9 hours for the i3-style machine, and 6 hors for the bamboo machine).
Once it was done, the hardest part was to remove all the supports, as in order to complete the complex internal structure, the parts needed a complex support structure.
This took a long time, but I was able to finish it using tweezer. It is remarkable to say that the parts printed using the bamboo printers were easier to post process and quicker to print.
After finishing the work I cleand the work space.
The cost of these 3d printed parts include the cost of raw materials, labor, and machine usage.
Raw materials cost:
- PLA: $3 per part: 3×5 = $15
Cost of labour:
- 3 hours of labour: 3×15 = $45
Machine usage – depends on the amount of material used
Total cost = 15 + 45 = $60
