Introducing the exciting world of 3D printing designs! In this article, we will dive into the 9 Best Design for 3D Printing for 2023. As the technology continues to advance at an incredible pace, the possibilities for creating innovative and intricate objects are endless. Whether you are a professional designer, a hobbyist, or simply curious about the latest trends, this list will cover the top designs that are set to make waves in the 3D printing industry in the coming year. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the cutting-edge designs that will revolutionize the way we create and manufacture in 2023.
Overall Score: 8/10
Design for 3D Printing: Scanning, Creating, Editing, Remixing, and Making in Three Dimensions is a comprehensive book that covers all the necessary information for beginners in 3D printing. It offers a great overview of the technology, with a focus on scanning, creating, editing, remixing, and making in three dimensions. The book provides detailed explanations and instructions on the different software available for 3D printing, making it a valuable resource for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills. With its easy-to-read format, the book is suitable for both entry-level and experienced users. It also includes numerous references and links to websites where users can find 3D print files and further information. Overall, Design for 3D Printing is an excellent guide for anyone interested in diving into the fascinating world of 3D printing.
Key Features
- Covers scanning, creating, editing, remixing, and making in 3D
- Offers detailed explanations and instructions on various software
- Includes references and links to websites for 3D print files
- Suitable for beginners and experienced users
Specifications
- Dimension: 7.68Lx0.44Wx9.84H
Pros
- Comprehensive overview of 3D printing
- Easy to read and understand
- Covers a wide range of topics
- Includes references and links to helpful resources
Cons
- Some information may be outdated
- Obsolete software and companies mentioned
Design for 3D Printing: Scanning, Creating, Editing, Remixing, and Making in Three Dimensions is a highly informative book for beginners in 3D printing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technology and covers all the essential aspects of scanning, creating, editing, remixing, and making in three dimensions. While some of the information may be slightly outdated, the book still offers valuable knowledge and tips for those looking to explore the world of 3D printing. The easy-to-read format and extensive references make it a convenient resource for both entry-level and experienced users. Whether you’re just starting with 3D printing or already have some experience, Design for 3D Printing is a worthwhile addition to your book collection.
Overall Score: 6/10
The CorelCAD 2021 Education Edition is a powerful CAD software designed for architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing professionals. With its affordable collection of tools, users can achieve outstanding results in both 2D drafting and 3D design. The software allows for precise control in creating, editing, and annotating technical designs. It also offers intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools for easy transformation of project sketches into 3D printing and other outputs. Compatibility with AutoCAD .DWG file format ensures seamless collaboration in any working environment. Powered by the ARES CAD engine, CorelCAD 2021 delivers advanced performance and efficiency. While some users encountered issues with activation and program installation, overall, it provides a professional suite of tools at an affordable price.
Key Features
- Academic Eligibility: accredited schools, faculties, full or part-time students, non-profit charitable and religious organizations; not for commercial use.
- Affordable collection of powerful tools for architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing professionals.
- Professional 2D drafting tools for creating, editing, and annotating technical designs.
- Intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools for 3D printing and other output.
- Full Auto CAD .DWG file format compatibility for easy collaboration.
- Advanced performance and efficiency powered by ARES CAD engine.
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Wide range of file output formats, including .dwg, .dxf, .dwf.
- Abundance of features for designing complex projects.
- Similar interface to Auto CAD for easy transition.
- Affordable pricing compared to other CAD software.
- Suitable for personal use and budget-friendly.
Cons
- Activation key may not be accepted.
- Some users faced difficulties with program installation.
- Customer service needs improvement.
CorelCAD 2021 Education Edition is a powerful and affordable CAD software that caters to the needs of architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing professionals. With its wide range of features and file compatibility, it offers great value for users looking to create precise 2D and 3D designs. While there may be some limitations and challenges with activation and installation, the software provides an excellent platform for personal use and non-commercial projects. With its user-friendly interface and budget-friendly pricing, CorelCAD 2021 Education Edition is a recommended option for individuals and organizations seeking a powerful CAD solution.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Are you tired of printing desk toys and want to use 3D printing for real stuff? Look no further than 'Functional Design for 3D Printing: Designing 3D Printed Things for Everyday Use'. This book offers pragmatic advice for designing useful parts that are strong enough to work effectively in real-world applications. It covers topics like infill, part orientation, overhangs, and support, with detailed explanations, examples, and diagrams. Unlike other books that are either too theoretical or superficial, this book strikes the perfect balance. Although compact, it is packed with valuable information that will help people at all levels of experience in 3D printing. The only downside is the lackluster graphics and poorly formatted images. Overall, if you're looking to move beyond basic prints, this book is a must-have guide to functional design for 3D printing.
Key Features
- Practical advice for designing 3D-printed parts
- Covers topics specific to fused filament manufacturing (FFM)
- Strong emphasis on pragmatism over theory
Specifications
- Dimension: 6.00Lx0.54Wx9.00H
Pros
- Lots of useful information
- Compact and focused on practicality
- Helpful for beginners in 3D printing and design
Cons
- Poor graphics and image quality
- Lack of color pictures and illustrations
Functional Design for 3D Printing: Designing 3D Printed Things for Everyday Use is a valuable resource for anyone interested in designing functional 3D-printed parts. It provides practical advice and covers important considerations specific to fused filament manufacturing. The book is compact but packed with useful information, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. However, the graphics and image quality are subpar and could have been improved to enhance the overall reading experience. Despite this drawback, the book’s content outweighs its aesthetic flaws, making it a must-have guide for those looking to create functional and practical 3D prints.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The NOVA3D 3D Printer Resin Ultra-Clear is a specially designed resin for monochrome LCD 3D printing. It offers a clear, pure color that resembles glass. The resin has low shrinkage and high precision, ensuring smooth, high-quality prints. It is compatible with 405nm LCD DLP 3D printers, making it suitable for various applications like DIY projects, jewelry design, classroom teaching, and engineering model making. The resin comes in a leak-proof bottle that is safely packaged for delivery. With its never-yellowing formula, this resin is a reliable option for achieving professional results.
Key Features
- Never yellowing
- Specially designed for Monochrome LCD printers
- Low Shrinkage & High Precision
- Wide Applications
- Quality Guarantee & Safe Package
Specifications
- Color: Ultra Clear
- Dimension: 4.53Lx4.53Wx10.24H
- Size: 500ml
Pros
- Clear, pure color like glass
- Low shrinkage for high precision prints
- Wide compatibility with 3D printers
- Quality guarantee and safe packaging
Cons
- Difficult to work with supports
- Leaves considerable ash after burnout
- Not suitable for direct casting and burnout
The NOVA3D 3D Printer Resin Ultra-Clear is a top choice for achieving crystal-clear prints without any yellowing. Although it may require some adjustments and practice to work with supports, the end results are impressive. The resin’s low shrinkage and high precision make it perfect for intricate designs and projects. The wide compatibility with 3D printers ensures its versatility for various applications. Despite leaving some ash after burnout and not being ideal for direct casting, this resin excels in creating high-detail masters and molds. Overall, it offers great value for its quality, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to produce clear and precise 3D prints.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D printing: Designing and printing practical objects is a book that provides valuable insights and tips for designing and printing objects using 3D printing technology. Written by Simon Smyth, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of 3D printing design considerations and real-world approaches for modern tinkerers. With clear pictures and easy-to-understand information, this book is suitable for both beginners and experienced individuals. It covers expert topics such as optimizing print speed, plastic selection, and troubleshooting printer problems. The book also includes practical examples and tips for designing functional objects. Although the zombie apocalypse theme occasionally distracts from the main content, this guide remains a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their 3D printing skills.
Key Features
- Comprehensive guide to 3D printing design and practical objects
- Clear pictures and easy-to-understand information
- Optimizing print speed, plastic selection, and troubleshooting
- Practical examples and tips for designing functional objects
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.98Lx0.40Wx9.02H
Pros
- Valuable insights and tips for designing and printing objects
- Suitable for beginners and experienced individuals
- Practical examples and tips for functional designs
Cons
- Occasional distraction from the main content due to the zombie apocalypse theme
- Overlap with the author's previous book, 'Functional Design for 3D Printing'
The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D printing: Designing and printing practical objects is a valuable resource for anyone interested in 3D printing. It provides a comprehensive overview of design considerations, offers practical examples, and shares tips for optimizing prints. While the occasional distraction of the zombie apocalypse theme may deter some readers, the book’s overall content and information make it a worthwhile read. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printing enthusiast, this guide can help enhance your skills and improve your designs. With its clear explanations and easy-to-understand language, it’s a valuable addition to any 3D printing library.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
The 21Grams 3D Shirts for Men are a fashionable choice for streetwear enthusiasts. Made of soft and breathable Polyester and Rayon material, these graphic tees feature unique and realistic 3D prints. The designs are eye-catching and vibrant, adding a trendy touch to any outfit. These shirts are suitable for various occasions, including daily wear, parties, and holidays. While the material is comfortable and the prints are durable, keep in mind that the sizes run smaller than usual, so ordering one size up is recommended. Additionally, the material quality could be improved for a better overall experience. Overall, these 3D shirts offer style and versatility with their innovative designs.
Key Features
- Different Sizes of shirts for men
- High-Quality Material
- 3D Print Design
- Suitable Occasion
- Pay Attention
Specifications
- Color: Rainbow
- Size: Medium
Pros
- Unique and realistic 3D print designs
- Soft, warm, and breathable material
- Versatile for various occasions
Cons
- Size runs smaller than normal, so order one size up
- Material quality could be improved
- Medium size is closer to a large
The 21Grams 3D Shirts for Men are a great option for those looking to express their style with unique and vibrant designs. Despite some drawbacks like sizing and material quality, these shirts are soft, breathable, and visually appealing. Whether you’re attending a casual outing or a special event, these shirts will make a statement. Just remember to order a size up to ensure a comfortable fit. With their eye-catching 3D prints, these shirts are a fantastic addition to any streetwear collection. Give your wardrobe a fashionable boost with the 21Grams 3D Shirts for Men!
Overall Score: 7/10
Learn how to design, 3D print, and assemble an eye mechanism with this instructional DVD. Perfect for those interested in animatronics and 3D printing, the DVD covers the essentials of creating your own design and provides step-by-step instructions. While some customers have experienced issues with the DVD not fast forwarding or rewinding properly, others have praised the content and the detailed instruction provided by the Stan Winston School of Character Arts. Whether you're a beginner or already have some 3D printing knowledge, this DVD can help you bring your projects to life.
Key Features
- Instructional DVD on designing and assembling an eye mechanism
- Suitable for beginners and those with 3D printing experience
- Step-by-step instructions provided by the Stan Winston School of Character Arts
Specifications
Pros
- Detailed instruction on eye mechanism design and assembly
- Suitable for beginners and experienced 3D printers
- Provides inspiration for animatronic projects
Cons
- Some customers experienced issues with the DVD not fast forwarding or rewinding properly
The How to Make an Eye Mechanism – Design, 3D Printing & Assembly DVD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in animatronics and 3D printing. Despite some technical issues with the DVD, the content and instruction provided by the Stan Winston School of Character Arts are highly praised. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printer, this DVD offers detailed guidance on designing and assembling eye mechanisms. It’s a great tool for bringing your creative projects to life. Just be aware of possible playback problems and consider using alternative software for 3D design if needed.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Experience the mesmerizing world of Fashion Design 3D printed, an innovative videogame soundtrack that brings fashion to life. With its amazing sound quality and catchy tunes, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of style and creativity. Explore the fashion industry like never before, as the soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of the designs showcased. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply love great music, this soundtrack is a must-have. Get ready to be inspired and unleash your inner fashionista with Fashion Design 3D printed!
Key Features
- Original Videogame Soundtrack
- Innovative and mesmerizing
- Immerses you in the world of fashion
- Captures the essence of designs
Specifications
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Catchy tunes that stick with you
- Inspires creativity and imagination
- Perfectly complements the fashion industry
Cons
- No specifications available
Fashion Design 3D printed is a captivating soundtrack that brings the fashion world to life. It perfectly captures the essence of designs and immerses you in a world of style and creativity. The amazing sound quality and catchy tunes make it a must-have for fashion enthusiasts and music lovers alike. While the lack of specifications may be a downside, the soundtrack more than makes up for it with its ability to inspire and unleash your inner fashionista. Get ready to embark on a musical journey through the fashion industry with Fashion Design 3D printed!
Overall Score: 9/10
CorelCAD 2023 is a professional CAD software designed for 2D drafting, design, and 3D printing. It offers powerful drafting and design tools specifically built for architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and manufacturing professionals. With a professional 2D drafting toolkit, you can create, edit, and annotate technical designs with control and precision. The intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools allow you to transform your project sketches into 3D printable designs quickly. CorelCAD 2023 also supports full AutoCAD .DWG file format compatibility, making it easy to collaborate with others. With additional plugins and the integration of CorelDRAW technology, you can enhance your CAD capabilities and incorporate key graphics into your workflow. Furthermore, the new DATALINK command enables you to link tables to CSV or XLSX spreadsheets, leveraging existing data in your files.
Key Features
- Deliver impressive, visually-rich CAD projects with powerful drafting and design tools
- Achieve control and precision with a professional 2D drafting toolkit
- Transform sketches into 3D printing and advanced output with intuitive tools
- Align with any working environment and collaborate effortlessly
- Experience advanced performance with sophisticated CAD engine
- Leverage existing data by linking tables to spreadsheets
Specifications
Pros
- Expansive collection of powerful drafting and design tools
- Intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools
- Full Auto CAD .DWG file format compatibility
- Streamlined project sharing
- Customization and automation support
- Advanced CAD engine powered by ARES
- Incorporate key graphics with Corel DRAW technology
- Additional plugin support
Cons
CorelCAD 2023 is a powerful CAD software that provides professionals in various fields with the tools they need for 2D drafting, design, and 3D printing. With its extensive collection of drafting and design tools, intuitive 3D modeling capabilities, and compatibility with AutoCAD .DWG files, it offers a comprehensive solution. The integration of CorelDRAW technology and support for additional plugins further enhance its capabilities. The ability to link tables to spreadsheets through the DATALINK command is also a valuable feature for leveraging existing data. Overall, CorelCAD 2023 is a reliable and efficient software that empowers professionals to deliver impressive CAD projects.
Buyer's Guide: Design for 3D Printing
Key Factors to Consider
- Understand Design Guidelines:
- Familiarize yourself with the specific design guidelines of the 3D printing technology you plan to use. Each technology may have different limitations and requirements.
- Pay attention to minimum wall thickness, minimum feature size, and overhang angles to design objects that can be successfully printed.
- Consider the orientation of your design to maximize print quality and minimize the need for supports.
- CAD Software Selection:
- Choose a CAD software that is compatible with your 3D printer and supports the file formats accepted by the printer's slicing software.
- Familiarize yourself with the CAD software's capabilities and tools, including the ability to create and modify solid models, generate support structures, and export files in the appropriate format.
- Opt for software with a user-friendly interface and comprehensive support documentation to facilitate your learning process.
- Design Intent:
- Clearly define the purpose and functionality of your 3D printed object.
- Consider the material properties required for your design and choose a suitable 3D printing technology that can provide those properties.
- Determine if your design will require moving parts, assemblies, or special considerations for post-processing.
- Material Selection:
- Research the available materials for 3D printing and choose one that suits your desired characteristics, such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, or transparency.
- Consider the compatibility of the selected material with your 3D printer, as not all printers can handle every type of material.
- Understand the material's limitations, such as its dimensional accuracy, shrinkage, and required post-processing steps.
- Test and Iterate:
- Before printing a final version, prototype and test your design to identify and address any issues or improvements.
- Conduct test prints with various settings to optimize your design for the chosen 3D printing technology.
- Be prepared to iterate on your design based on the feedback and results obtained from the test prints.
Design Tips for Successful 3D Printing
- Simplify Geometry: Avoid complex shapes and intricate details that may be difficult to print accurately. Smooth and gradual curves often work better than sharp angles.
- Create Support Structures: Depending on your design's features and orientation, consider adding support structures to ensure successful printing and easy removal. Plan the support positions wisely to avoid unnecessary overhangs.
- Check for Intersections or Overlaps: Validate that your design does not have self-intersecting or overlapping geometry, as it can lead to print failures or inaccuracies. Perform thorough checks before exporting your model.
- Consider Print Bed Adhesion: Ensure proper adhesion of your design to the print bed. Incorporate a large enough flat surface or use the recommended adhesion techniques for a stable printing process.
- Avoid Thin Walls: Account for your chosen 3D printer's minimum wall thickness requirement. Design thicker walls or add structural support where needed to prevent fragility or potential failure during printing.
- Factor in Tolerances: Consider tolerances when designing interlocking parts or assemblies to ensure proper fit. Allow enough clearance between parts to accommodate material shrinkage and achieve desired functionality.
- Minimize Overhangs: Overhangs can be challenging to print, especially without support structures. Orient your design to minimize overhang angles and use support structures when necessary.
- Inspect Layer Heights and Resolution: Check the capabilities of your 3D printer regarding layer height and resolution. Design components with these limits in mind to achieve the desired level of detail and surface finish.
- Take Advantage of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): Explore the unique possibilities offered by additive manufacturing. Utilize features like lattices, hollow structures, or topology optimization to reduce material usage and improve performance.
- Think About Post-Processing: Consider the post-processing steps required for your design to achieve the desired surface finish or add additional features. Design your object with such considerations, such as leaving space for sanding, painting, or assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Design For 3D Printing for 2023
Not all CAD software is compatible with all 3D printers. Choose a CAD software compatible with your printer and capable of generating files in the required formats.
The optimal design orientation depends on the specific object and 3D printing technology. Experiment with different orientations to minimize support materials and achieve the best print quality.
Different 3D printing technologies have different minimum wall thickness requirements. Research the guidelines specific to your chosen technology and material to ensure a robust design.
The accuracy of a 3D printed object can vary based on the printer’s capabilities and the chosen technology. Consider the tolerances and limitations of your printer when designing for precise dimensions.
Yes, it is possible to print objects with moving parts using certain 3D printing technologies, such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or stereolithography (SLA). However, additional considerations may be necessary to ensure smooth movement and functional fit.