RESOURCES

SOFTWARE 

Online Collections of 3D Print Files

Thingiverse - www.thingiverse.com

STL Finder - www.stlfinder.com


Cults3D - www.cults3d.com

Sketchfab - www.sketchfab.com  (Choose Explore from the Menu bar and select Downloadable.)



Slicer software


3D Design Software

Tinkercad - www.tinkercad.com


Lithophanes - 3D files from images - https://3dp.rocks/lithophane/ 
An example of a lithophane from an earlier grant is here - 

HARDWARE

3D Printers
    There are lots of 3D printers on the market now, with prices ranging from less than $100 to several thousand.  I've listed a few that fall in the lower price range and seem to be fairly dependable and easy to use.  Some factors to consider:
  • Filament type - PLA is the best choice.  The filament is inexpensive, widely available in a range of colors, and since it's a bioplastic it's compostable and doesn't have a "plastic smell" during printing.  And PLA doesn't require a heated build plate, something other types of filament might need.
  • Extruders - Many printers now have two extruders which means you can print using two different colors.  It's a nice feature but not a necessity - you can paint PLA models using acrylic paints.
  • Print size - Bigger build plates (usually somewhere around 9 x 7 inches) usually mean higher prices.  Lower price printers have build plates somewhere around 4 x 5 inches in size.
  • Wi-Fi capability - This is another nice feature, but one you may not need.
  • Proprietary materials - Some 3D printer manufacturers will only let you use their filament.  They filament may not be any more expensive but it might limit your choices of color or other options.  Some printers might also require the use of a particular Slicing program.  
Low cost printers
Entina Mini 3D Printer - $150.00 on Amazon.  




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