Laying parts flat for 3D printing

m1chol_kozioł

Hi,
I am a beginner in CAD and Onshape. This is my first time designing a model with angled parts. I would like to arrange all the parts in preparation for 3D printing. My question is: what is the best approach to laying out these parts on one plane? Do I have to do it manually using the transform tool, or is there an easier method?

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/86c579047f8428d386a1932d/w/2bac08d5830ab26af6bbdce1/e/df9d33021d4a4726c0c99d75?renderMode=0&uiState=659084f2c2b9ca68301ad461

robert_scott_jr_

I've have used two slicers for 3d printing. Both have options for managing print orientation; one of which is to select a face to place on the build plate. Perhaps I am misunderstanding your question because I see in your document you already have the parts laying flat. - Scotty

martin_kopplow

You can always use a planar mate to position the parts lower face on the Z=0 plane in an assembly and still be able push them around to find the best nesting (When in doubt, model your printbed first).

robert_scott_jr_

I've have used two slicers for 3d printing. Both have options for managing print orientation; one of which is to select a face to place on the build plate. Perhaps I am misunderstanding your question because I see in your document you already have the parts laying flat. - Scotty

Matt_Shields

Omg, you have to try the Auto Layout custom feature!

nick_papageorge073

Laying the parts flat is done in the 3D printer software, not in Onshape or any other CAD program. Its a simple click in the 3D printer software, takes about 1 second per part once you find the button.

m1chol_kozioł

robert_scott_jr_ said:

I've have used two slicers for 3d printing. Both have options for managing print orientation; one of which is to select a face to place on the build plate. Perhaps I am misunderstanding your question because I see in your document you already have the parts laying flat. - Scotty

Thanks for the reply,
I manually layed the parts and then exported them to stl, but small errors in placement lead to weird slicing artifacts. What worked was using tool in slicer to lay object on its face - as you mentioned. Still I imagine this process for more complex projects would be tedious. 

Problem solved!

martin_kopplow

You can always use a planar mate to position the parts lower face on the Z=0 plane in an assembly and still be able push them around to find the best nesting (When in doubt, model your printbed first).

nick_papageorge073

I'm not following why anyone would waste time doing this in CAD? It takes a lot of effort to arrange parts a specific way in CAD. In the 3D printer software, you push one button that says "auto-arrange" and you are done. Takes 2 seconds.

For nesting on a CNC router to get the most out of a sheet of plywood, maybe it makes sense to do it in CAD. For 3D printing, no way, I'd rather use that time watching youtube videos:)

AEC

nick_papageorge073 said:

I'm not following why anyone would waste time doing this in CAD? It takes a lot of effort to arrange parts a specific way in CAD. In the 3D printer software, you push one button that says "auto-arrange" and you are done. Takes 2 seconds.

For nesting on a CNC router to get the most out of a sheet of plywood, maybe it makes sense to do it in CAD. For 3D printing, no way, I'd rather use that time watching youtube videos:)

Exactly, use the right tools for the right jobs, slicers are phenomenal at arranging the objects that are to be printed, for a good reason.

martin_kopplow

nick_papageorge073 said:

I'm not following why anyone would waste time doing this in CAD? It takes a lot of effort to arrange parts a specific way in CAD. In the 3D printer software, you push one button that says "auto-arrange" and you are done. Takes 2 seconds.

If that is the case, your prints are not complex enough. Honest. I have arranged my models in CAD many times. Not the bulk stuff, but the more sophisticated parts. They often need special alignment or elaborate support structure, which is planned with removal in mind, and so far, the slicers I know of can't always cope.

For 2D routing and laser cutting, though, there's auto nesting software out there that can work miracles. Still, it sometimes makes sense to arrange in CAD, E.G. when you are in the process of designing for sustainable use of materials in one-off or very small batch products. Too bad if the shop has to order another 3000 x 1500 x 50mm laminated wood sheet that might cost a thousand bucks or more extra, just to make that one tiny part that just wouldn't fit on the first sheet. This is when auto layout scripts come in real handy.

That said, even if there are reasons to arrange in CAD, most parts just don't deserve the extra effort.