How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 2)

3D modeling process

Almost all 3D modeling software available on the market can produce 3D models for use with 3D printers, including established CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, or CGMAX, 3DMAX, Maya, and more. However, for non-professionals, these software are too expensive and inconvenient. At present, modeling mainly uses some free open-source software, such as OpenSCAD, Tinkercad, Meshmixer and so on. In particular to mention OpenSCAD here. OpenSCAD can be programmed through the preparation of code, as long as the relevant code input can generate graphics. At present, many websites take this code as an open source form. For Reprap, of course, 3D Printer Motherboard is a must.

As to open-source 3D Printer Module Board, we have to mention the DIY Arduino 3D Printer module board as we all know the general applicability and authoritative position of Arduino. There are many like the Arduino CNC Shield V3 which is a motor driver expansion board for 3D Printer.

3D Printer slice

Before the original graphics file into the 3D printer, must be through a control software processing, the graphics "slice." Most of this software is also open source, so there are many choices, common with Cura, makerwat, Repetier, slic3r, etc., users can choose the software that is suitable for their own 3D printing equipment. So a high-performance 3D Printer Controller is very important.

The process of printing

For now, print a small project takes about ten to dozens of minutes, you can wait for a cup of coffee patiently. 3D printed finished products, according to the different 3D printer accuracy, print out works of different roughness. In addition, after all, the hardening process of the material is not completely controllable. In the printing of more complex works, the overflow and deformation of the material are often inevitable. Therefore, you should modify according to the actual situation for the latter part of grinding and modification.

For beginners who are involved in 3D modeling, there are a large number of ready-made products available on the web that can be used as a starting point for learning. Thingiverse is one of the largest sites, in addition to the old open source site GitHub, you can also find a lot of work there.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 1)

The birth of a 3D printing model includes: concepts/ideas, design models, model slices, print models, post-processing.

1. Design model

3D printing models can be generated using computer-aided design software including 3D scanners. With 3D scanning, electronic data about the shape, appearance, etc. of a real object can be generated and analyzed. Based on the data obtained from 3D scanning, a 3D computer model of the scanned object can be generated. Regardless of the 3D modeling software used, the generated 3D Printer models (typically .skp, .dae, .3ds, or other formats) need to be converted to formats such as .STL or .OBJ for the DIY 3D Printer to read.

Before STD format files can be used to print 3D models, error checking is required. This step is often referred to as "correction." Common mistakes include: the surface is not connected to each other, or there are gaps in the model. Netfabb, Meshmixer, or both Cura and Slic3r are common fixing software.

2. Model slice

With the fix, users can use the slicer software to convert the model represented by the STL file into a series of layers and generate G-code files, including custom instructions for some 3D Printer (FDM 3D Printer wholesale). Next, users can print G-code files using 3D printing client software. In practice, 3D printing client software usually has a variety of open source slicer programs to choose from, such as Skeinforge, Slic3r, and Cura. There are Simplify3D and KISSlicer for non-open source slicer programs. 3D printing client software is Repetier-Host, ReplicatorG, and Printrun / Pronterface.

It should be noted that there is a commonly used software called Gcode viewer. The software can modify the GCode print model in different ways (for example, in different postures, such as standing or lying down) to save 3d printer plastic and 3D Printer Supplies.

3. Print the model

The main difference between the different incremental processes is the lamination method and the 3d printing materials used. Some processes are delaminated by melting or softening materials such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Molding (FDM) or FFF. Still, there are other processes utilize different technologies to process liquid feedstocks, such as SLA. Under LOM, raw materials (paper, polymer, metal, etc.) are sliced into layers for recombination.

4. Post-processing

After the model is printed, there is usually a glitch or rough cross-section. At this time the model needs to be post-processed by some 3d printer diy kit. Use model scissors, needle-nose pliers and graver to support, glue / assemble with adhesive, use Atomite, 502+ talcum to fill the soil, use spray paint, oily marker, acrylic paint, gouache brush, Line pen, 3D Printing Pen and other tools to color and the 3d printer kit you like.

Everything about the Air-modeling ESC you need to know

Air-modeling is getting popular. In the DIY aircraft model world, experience and common knowledge sharing are quite essential. If you are an RC aircraft enthusiasts or you’re interested in air modeling, you need to understand some basic structures about your RC models like the gyro board and the Lipo battery board, and one of the most important part you need to know is the ESC (Electric tuning of model aircraft). If you want to DIY your RC models, you should know some basic knowledge about the ESC.

Introduction to ESC

Now the aircraft model ESC are generally brushless ESC because the brushless motor under the same power volume is much smaller than the brush one. Phoenix from the United States is the most famous brand in the world. As to the price, China's Hobbywing ESC and other brands is the best cost-effective choice.

How to choose the right ESC?

Choosing the right ESC needs to be based on your application and the power requirements of the motor. First of all, we must look at the ESC power, then to check the compatibility of ESC and motor. ESC is not compatible with all motors. In the actual situation, many brands of ESC don’t have enough power and enough current. Maybe you need 60A ESC, but it actually can only reach 55A in fact, so before you purchase, be sure to ask the supplier. If you use ESC below the motor power, it may cause the power tube to burn out. So the power problem is an important issue in choosing ESC.

Air-modeling ESC generally has the following characteristics:

1. Specifications

1.1 Output current: Continuous current 50A, instantaneous current 60A, sustainable for 10 seconds.

1.2 Input power: 5-12 Ni-MH / Ni-Cd battery or 2-4 lithium batteries

1.3 Weight: 58 grams

1.4 BEC output: 5.5V / 3A

1.5 Size: 38 * 52 * 15mm (W * D * H)

2. Features 

2.1 Unlimited speed support: all the industrial production of brushless motor maximum speed can be unlimited supported

2.2 Cyclical Menu settings, easy to operate

2.3 Super smooth and precise throttle linear

2.4 Safe power function: When the power is turned on, the motor will not start immediately whichever position the throttle lever of the remote control is to prevent the motor from rotating suddenly.

2.5 remote control signal loss protection

2.6 over-temperature protection: 110 ℃ automatically reduce the power half of the output, when the temperature below 110 ℃ the power output recovery

2.7 with powerful rudder ability, beyond the current ESC in the market

2.8 Suitable for all types of brushless motors

Compatible program card

The RC Car Program Card For Brushless ESC is used to modify the brushless ESC program and to update the internal Firmware of brushless ESC. It’s the same for all RC model toys. For example, the Hobbywing LED Program Card for different series Brushless Hobbywing ESC is used to program the brushless ESC and has a friendly user interface and easy to use.

Must have tools of DIY robots (part 2)

As we have said earlier in part 1, there are something that DIY entry beginners should configure as they are necessary to use. And in part 2, we will share more with you so that you can have a better idea about what you need.

Seventh: the power supply

The stable power supply is also necessary when debugging. In addition to meet the needs of a variety of voltage, the most critical is, usually, during the DIY process, it will inevitably lead to short circuit, and the stable power supply has overcurrent protection. In addition, the stable power supply is equipped with an ammeter, which can find the abnormal current. If you need to analog circuits, it is best to choose that can provide positive and negative tracking of the two power supply. The 19V DC Power Supply will provide stable power.

Eighth: carving knife

Because the PCB is easy to make mistakes, the design may also have loopholes, so it will need to be modified by secant. At this time, carving knife will make it very convenient.

Ninth: wire strippers

Although with scissors or utility knife, you can also strip the cable, it needs skills. If there is a stripping plier, it will be so much more effective and is not easy to break the copper cable (especially multi-strand soft). I will also recommend the Cable Drag Chain for CNC Router Machine which is very high-quality and durable.

Tenth: hammer

This should be a must. It is recommended to buy 1 pound half one, too little is useless.

Eleventh: vise

This is also an indispensable tool. It’s recommended to have a Clip Pliers set with different Pliers. And to use the vise more comfortable, a vise table bench can make it so much easier.

Twelfth: hacksaw

Whether to saw PCB or do some chassis and so on, we need a saw. Recommend choosing the standard one. That small, portable one is not convenient, one is because they have not enough strength, the second is because it’s hard to adaptive with the blade.

Thirteenth: file

When the size has a slight deviation, need to be amended to use. It is recommended to buy a multi-size set.

Fourteenth: glue gun

The glue gun is a DIY must, and can be used to fix some things on somewhere. It is best to pick the tip one because the electronic DIY thing is usually not big. Nowadays, it’s affordable to most people to have a high-quality and cheap hot glue gun themselves.

Fifteenth: ruler

Although normal, also has a great effect. It is recommended to configure a corner and a tape measure.

Must have tools of DIY robots (part 1)

I am a DIY enthusiast, and I am particularly obsessed with DIY robots and RC models and so on. In order to let the DIY group of new lovers can be more easily and quickly to get started, I would like to share with you guys my daily use of the configuration tools. One of the most important things you must have is a DC Mini Metal Gear Box Motor which is ideal for making robots. Other things are as follow:

First: electric iron

An electric soldering iron can meet most of the welding needs. 30W or so is enough. Recommended tip head one, so you can adapt to more cases. After the soldering iron is bought, the following improvements are recommended: Replace the two core wires with three core wires. Switch to three-pin plug, which can avoid the soldering iron-induced electrical damage to MOS devices. In addition, the welding quality and solder wire are closely related, it is recommended to configure two kinds of solder wire:

A) 0.6mm flux-containing solder wire, C-2 with higher tin content, for welding lead-in devices.

B) 0.3mm flux-containing solder wire for welding SMD devices.

Note: when welding, you should wear a welding helmet and a welding mask. Don’t ignore them for your personal safety! To remind yourself, what about purchasing a special set of cool welding helmets and a cool welding mask.

Second: tweezers

It is recommended to choose a pointed, slightly thicker tweezers. At present, the device is getting smaller and smaller, and SMD has become a trend. Tweezers will be your essential tool for welding.

Third: diagonal pliers

Although SMD will become mainstream, but will also be used in-line devices. At this point, the diagonal pliers can close the PCB to cut the pin.

Fourth: set tools

The most basic word screwdriver and the cross screwdriver should be equipped. Especially the cross screwdriver, you must configure a variety of specifications, otherwise, it is difficult to deal with different sizes of screws. The sharp cone and is also useful! What’s more, a wrench! There are so many cheap wrenches for you to choose.

Fifth: art knife

This is a lot of use. With this, an electric knife is basically not necessary.

Sixth: multimeter

Electricity is invisible, so we can only rely on a multimeter to judge if the current is on or off. It is recommended to choose the one supporting the automatic shutdown, or the power might be exhausted as it’s easy to forget to shut down. If the budget is well-off, select the larger range and supporting capacitance measurement, so you can save a capacitor table.

You might ask me if something like the portable heat gun or the drill is necessary...hah, keep following our blog and we will talk about that the next time.

You can not be called a qualified lazy without these three things

Honestly, just like other teenagers, we modern people are so used to feel tired. Some people call it one of the sub-health manifestations. Sometimes, I really want to cheer up and be energetic, but I just feel so tired that instead of going out, I’ll rather stay in my bed all day, even though I just wake up. It's like a dead loop.

I am too lazy to get out of bed, too lazy to go out, sometimes too lazy to even say too much. That’s why I found this three amazing stuffs for our “lazy” people. If you haven’t owned these three things, you are not even close to joining our “lazy club”, and I’m still the “lazy queen”.

1. Bedside mattress caddy 

This mattress storage hanging organizer can be hung beside your bed. This mattress holder can store many things that you need on the bed like some books, your glasses, your iPad or iPhone, some lotions and so on. For those who do not have bedside cabinets, this hanging caddy can not only neatly store items, but the necessary items also can be easily used, so you can save a lot of trouble. Of course, this hanging organizer can also be hung at other places like beside your desk or your car seat.

2. Recoil retractable key chain

If you have a huge bag like me and you always need to spend like 5 minutes searching for your keys in your bag, try this retractable keychain! you can lock it anywhere like your bag or your jeans. When you arrived home, you don’t even need to find your key, you just pull the chain then you have your key! This retractable key chain can also be a retractable ID holder for commercial use which is very high-quality.

3. WiFi wireless doorbell intercom 

With rain-proof cover, unlock function, this wireless doorbell intercom can be connected with your cellphone (both iOS and Android) so that you don’t need to go anywhere to check who is outside. Just “FaceTime” with them using your cellphone! Have to say another great invention! Except for being a smart WiFi doorbell intercom, it can also be used as a monitor security camera with IR night vision.

Other things like the remote control switch are also very convenient, you just need to explore more.

How to enhance your music player's super bass?

“Boy, you got my heartbeat runnin' away

Beating like a drum and it's coming your way

Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass?

You got that super bass

Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass

Yeah, that's the super bass”

Have you heard about this rhythmic and vital hip-hop song from Nicki Minaj? I bet you do. Do you love to listen to super bass electronics dance music or hip-hop music? If you do, you might be concerned about your music player as some people are used to connecting their cellphone with wireless music receiver but some ultra super bass music might hurt your speaker.

What is bass

Bass is the low part in the audio (below 100HZ, even including the infrasound, although people can not hear, but still effective). Bass is very energy efficient, that is, needs very large power. As the human ear is not sensitive to the bass, so the music player needs the strong bass to create results. Therefore, the ordinary audio products on the market claiming to have DBB features, it is impossible to meet the requirements of the super bass.

Subwoofer(super bass)

The recognition of the bass for the human being ears are very limited. But other senses can feel its existence. In simple terms, it is the shocking feeling! For example, when we watch a movie in a cinema, we can feel the shock of the power and energy that the plane taking off. But if our home theater is not equipped with a subwoofer or the configuration is unreasonable, we can not feel this shock.

How to enhance your music player's super bass?

TruBass technology can produce a more profound, vigorous, flexible bass. TruBass with a smaller volume of multimedia speakers to produce bass music, which is almost comparable to large speakers. It produces a range of virtual sound field that is much larger than the speaker range itself, accordingly, the best range of listening area is also much larger.

From the psychoacoustics, TruBass produces a great boost to the low-frequency effect. TruBass takes advantage of this way of ear listening. All of these factors are used to transform the vibration of the sound into nerve stimulation, eventually forming a sensation or hearing.

So the Bluetooth Wireless Super Bass Portable Speaker is really amazing! It’s specially designed for bass music lovers!