3D Modeling & 3D Printing

Here is a time lapse of a casing being printed on a 3d printer, this model was custom designed and was developed for Macroponics.

Uncover a realm of opportunities.

With the ability to Model and 3D print objects in Metal and plastic, I am able to craft any type of prototype quickly and reliably.

Here is what the GrowRight Computer looks like while I am modeling the casing for it in fusion 360.
This was the final product delivery for the GrowRight Starter Kit.
Here is an example of a part that required metal 3D printing. This is the Modular LED system for the GrowRight.

Shown below is a time lapse of the metal components that were printed for the GrowRight modular LEDs.

Re-imagine what is possible…

Do you have an idea you want to have modeled, printed and sent to you? Have questions about what is possible with 3D printing?

Tutorials can serve as valuable launching pads for anyone interested in 3D printing, offering a structured introduction to the principles of design, material science, and the intricacies of additive manufacturing. However, as many seasoned makers have discovered, true mastery of 3D printing comes from immersing yourself in hands-on experimentation and iterative learning.

This page is dedicated to the discussion of 3D printing and the vibrant community that surrounds it, a space where experienced engineers, hobbyists, and newcomers alike can share insights, innovative techniques, and practical experiences. By building a close-knit network of creators, we can collectively disseminate the most useful and up-to-date information, ensuring that everyone benefits from shared knowledge and collaborative problem solving.

Whether you’re refining your skills through meticulous prototyping or exploring new materials and cutting-edge technologies, remember that while tutorials provide the foundation, real progress is achieved through active participation and community engagement. Together, we can transform the world of 3D printing into a dynamic hub of innovation, where every challenge is an opportunity to learn and every success propels us toward even greater achievements.

The Mystical Frontier of 3D Printing: Anomalous Objects and Ethical Considerations

3D printing technology has unlocked unprecedented creative capabilities, enabling the fabrication of objects that transcend conventional boundaries. Among these are what I define as “anomalous objects”, artifacts that may carry unexpected spiritual, metaphysical, or cognitive properties. In some cases, these objects can even become what are known as info-hazards. An info-hazard is information, or, in this context, an object, that possesses the potential to cause harm simply by being known or interacted with. In the realm of 3D printing, an info-hazard might be an artifact whose anomalous properties trigger dangerous psychological effects or induce unintended physical consequences when its influence spreads.

The emergence of such artifacts forces us to confront a complex ethical landscape. While innovation is celebrated, it must be paired with the foresight to anticipate and mitigate potential risks. The creation and dissemination of anomalous objects demand a robust ethical framework, one that safeguards not only our material well-being but also our collective spiritual and cognitive health.

For those seeking guidance on navigating this delicate balance, I invite you to explore my guide on magick. This resource lays out an ethical framework that integrates ancient wisdom with modern technology, providing practical strategies to avoid the pitfalls associated with info-hazards. By embracing responsible practices, we can ensure that the transformative power of 3D printing remains a positive force, one that uplifts humanity and enriches our understanding of the world, rather than inadvertently unleashing chaos.

Latest Blog Posts on 3D Modeling & 3D Printing
March 18, 2025The Wonders of Metal 3D printing Getting started… In this article I will teach you how to get started with 3D printing Metal parts. In this tutorial I will be using the following tools and materials. Bambu Labs P1P Printer BASF Ultrafuse 17-4 PH Metal 3D Printing Filament In my example here I will not be covering the sintering process. However we will discuss what type of prep work is necessary for sending it to a sintering facility. I will cover the sintering process and how it works in a future article which will be linked here. In order to properly prepare your parts for sintering you must keep in mind that the object will shrink after being sintered. Check the documentation for the filament you are using. If you are following this tutorial the filament documentation is available here. Its a lot to sift through, but you’ll find the proper size increase percentages for my filament are: X=120%Y=120%Z=124% when designing a part for metal 3d printing you will want to make sure you scale it with these percentages in order to ensure proper fit with other components that may be involved in your project. In this example I will be creating the metal leads for the GrowRight lighting system. Designing parts Optimizing Your Parts Design When designing metal components, it’s crucial to minimize the use of thin, fin-like structures, as they tend to warp during the sintering process. In my experience, fine-tuning designs to account for this warping consumed a significant portion of the R&D budget. This article serves as both a personal reference and a guide for others facing similar challenges. Through extensive testing, I found that maintaining a minimum height-to-width ratio of 3:1 is the most effective way to reduce warping (as shown on the left). The examples also illustrate the types of distortions that can occur. For my specific application, achieving a perfect balance is still an ongoing process, but adhering to this 3:1 ratio has proven to be a reliable strategy for improving stability and manufacturability. Another thing to keep in mind, is that chamfers can be your best friend when designing overhangs. They serve as a great tool for preventing warping like seen in the pictures on the left Printing Parts   Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Optimizing Your Print for Successful Sintering To achieve the best results when printing metal parts, it’s essential to maximize the object’s contact with the build plate. A larger surface area improves adhesion and stability during printing, reducing the risk of warping. Additionally, resizing your object in your slicer is crucial. Metal filaments shrink during the sintering process, so adjusting the scale before printing ensures the final dimensions meet your specifications. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines for your metal filament, the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) provides all the necessary details and is available here. If you plan to use the same sintering facility I did, keep in mind that your object must not exceed 100mm × 100mm × 100mm post-printing to be processed. Recommended Print Settings For best results, I followed these general recommendations from BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH: Nozzle Temperature: 230 – 250°C Bed Temperature: 90 – 120°C Build Surface: Glass with approved glue (though I found that regular Elmer’s glue worked fine, and in some cases, no glue was necessary) Nozzle Diameter: ≥ 0.4mm Print Speed: 15 – 50 mm/s Infill Percentage: No less than 50% to ensure proper sintering By following these guidelines and fine-tuning your setup, you can significantly improve the quality and success rate of your metal prints. Sintering This is the Virtual Foundry Sintering Kiln. This appears to be the best desktop style sintering kiln currently available. This diagram demonstrates the heat compaction process and how the plastic filler is removed. Preparing Your Part: Removing Supports and Sanding Before sintering, it’s essential to properly prepare your printed metal part. Start by removing any supports that were used during the printing process. Supports are necessary for printing overhangs but must be carefully removed to avoid damaging the delicate printed structure. After removing the supports, sanding the surface is important to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. This will help ensure a clean finish and minimize the need for additional post-sintering finishing work. Proper preparation before sintering is key to achieving the best results and a professional-quality part. Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to proceed with the sintering process. Understanding Sintering Sintering is the process of heating a 3D-printed metal part to a temperature just below its melting point. This causes the metal particles to fuse together, creating a solid, dense structure. During sintering, the object undergoes shrinkage, which is why it’s important to account for this in the design phase. The result is a fully functional metal component with enhanced strength and durability, making it suitable for real-world applications. While it is possible to perform sintering at home with the right equipment—such as a furnace capable of maintaining precise temperatures and an inert atmosphere (to prevent oxidation)—it can be challenging to achieve consistent, high-quality results. Proper temperature control and a controlled environment are critical to ensuring that the sintering process works correctly. For the most reliable and professional results, I recommend using a dedicated sintering facility, like the one I used, which is equipped with the necessary technology to handle the process efficiently. If you’re planning to use the same facility I used, you can find the required submission form here. The forms they will send you guide you through the necessary steps to prepare your parts for sintering and ensure they meet the facility’s specifications. Conclusion Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found the information helpful and insightful for your own metal 3D printing and sintering projects. If there’s anything that wasn’t clear or if you have suggestions for improving this guide, please feel free to leave a comment. Your feedback is invaluable and will help me enhance future content. Happy printing! […]