FreeCAD 3D Printing Notes

Avoiding Common Pitfalls⌗

• Always ensure that 3D objects are solid
  • PartDesign Workbench will notify you of any operations that would prevent the model from staying solid.
  • Part Workbench has a Check Geometry tool, which can check for further defects
• Ensure your dimensions align properly
  • Dimensions are vital: 1 millimeter in FreeCAD is 1 millimeter in real life
• Control degradation of the model, during transformation w/ the slicer (FreeCAD file -> a G-Code dialect)
  • No printer will be able to directly create a 1:1 replica of the 3D object. Some bit of degradation in quality will occur, ensuring that this stays above your ideal threshold is a necessity.

General Workflow Overview⌗

1. Model your object within FreeCAD, ensuring to avoid the common pitfalls
2. Convert your 3D model -> mesh
3. “Slice” the mesh
4. Generate G-Code

Useful Links⌗

Preparing Models for 3D Printing: https://wiki.freecad.org/Manual:Preparing_models_for_3D_printing