[3D Printing Application] Five Simple Steps to Turn a Flat Plane into a Solid! Learn How to Make Custom Coasters!
From 2D to 3D, even those without modeling skills are OK! This time, we'll use two free software programs, TinkerCAD and Cura 3.6 , to teach you step-by-step how to easily create 3D printed coasters! Make whatever you want—unique and practical! First, let's take a look at the finished product of this water coaster: 
First, prepare a black and white image you like and convert it into an SVG vector file. There are many online tools that can convert images for free! The pattern we're using is shown below. The outermost frame is a circle. You'll need to draw another image based on the area of the outer frame. Even a novice artist can do it! 
Go online to TinkerCAD . Just get a quick account and you can model online for free without downloading. After entering the page, start a new design project, and then click "Import" in the upper right corner to upload the two SVG files you just created. 
After importing the 2D drawing, it automatically transforms into a 3D model! Isn't that amazing?! Even a novice like me with no modeling skills can create customized products simply by drawing a 2D drawing—it's truly incredible! 
The same process applies to the outer frame background image. After importing both files, select them all and use the alignment function in the upper right corner. Press the alignment button in the desired direction (align left and right and front and back once each). The orange line art in the image is the preview before alignment. 
After alignment, they will be completely overlapping circles. At this point, select only the patterned area, hold down the center arrow and move it upwards to the desired height (you can move it freely left and right, but to move it up and down, you need to hold down the arrow). The 3D image of the coaster is now complete! It's that simple! 
Press "Export" in the upper right corner, select "All objects in the design" to automatically combine them into a whole, and then select the STL file format to save. 
Simply insert the file into Cura 3.6 . The file is ready for 3D printing , and you can start 3D printing now! Is the size too large? No problem, you can adjust the size in the control panel on the left. 
This time we used Ultimaker 3 , which is made of silver PLA . This material has a metallic texture and is very popular. We selected the highest precision for 3D printing , and it was ready to use in about 2 hours. You can make any pattern you want! 
With 3D printed water-catching coasters, you no longer have to worry about sweat or dripping water next to your cold drink cup. They will catch all the water and fill it up for you. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at the office without worry. With the recent drizzling weather, it's just the right amount of romantic (the boss is behind me, and he looks very popular). 
Besides being a helpful tool for industrial prototyping, 3D printers can also be a personal customization assistant. How to make a water coaster? It's super easy in 5 steps:
Prepare an image and convert it to an SVG file.
Import the free online software TinkerCAD
Align objects and export STL files.
Insert into the free slicing software Cura .
3D printing completed and ready to use .
We hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial! If you have any other simpler methods or creative ideas, please feel free to share them with us! All the latest news will be posted on our fan page , so please follow us to get the latest updates!
Interested in 3D printing technology? Then you absolutely can't miss the 3D Printing Workshop on March 8th! From modeling and scanning to printing, experts from all fields will answer your questions—all three technologies will be covered! Seats are limited , so register first !
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[3D Printing Applications] Five Simple Steps to Turn a Flat Plane into a Solid! Learn How to Make Custom Coasters!
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