FreeCAD tutorial: 3D Modeling for 3D printing with FreeCAD

The volume modelling is used for simple geometries ( primitive objects like cone, box, cylinder…). To modify these geometries you have access to many tools like Boolean operations, fusion, common, cuts operations. It’s appropriate to create a part for each operation, in the aim to be able to make specific modifications on certain parts, with for example the Boolean operations. These operations can be used at any time of the modelling, even it’s easier and more logical to use it progressively. 

You can apply Boolean operations among all the created parts. 

To select it, go to the tab part > Boolean operations, otherwise just right click on the concerned part in the arborescence. For 3D printing application, the Boolean operations between two (or many) shapes will permit you to get one whole part. 

For that you just need to select two shapes : 

Then to apply one of the following Boolean operations : 

Using the fusion function, the two parts merge into one new part. 

The new part is called by the operation name. Here, it’s called Fusion

FreeCAD is still under development, some features are still imperfect and Sometimes the Opencascade core on which turns freeCAD has trouble managing certain Boolean operations. 

For example, a circular repetition patterns and a box: 

The subtraction of one to another makes a weird result, which is not exportable in .STL : 

The solution to that issue is to use other parts (for example a cube rather than a matrix)

Another logic design is to draw a sketch in 2D and then into a volume. This is how Part Design workshop works.

Start by creating a sketch and select the plan in which you want to draw it:

Then use the sketch tools : 

Freecad uses a system of constraints. Each item must have a unique position in the plan. Each point of the drawing can move in X and Y, so we say that a point has two degrees of freedom. A sketch featuring 3 points thus has 6 degrees of freedom, etc … 

To avoid a sketch error during the transition to 3D, we need every point to have a specific position. Once the sketch is drawn you have to « force » each point. We therefore will use theconstraint tools :

Once each point is constrained, the outline turns green and the sketch is usable to create a 3D object. 

Then use the 3D tools to make a 3D object out of the sketch. 

It is of course impossible to directly print an outline and that’s why this step is essential. 

You get an object exportable in 3D. 

Hollow out a model is a common task in modeling for 3D printing. Indeed, it will help limiting the amount of material used, and thereby limit the cost of production. It is also essential for some materials (including ceramics) having an object based on a principle of constant thickness. To make your hollow model, you have several options. 

With the hollowing function, Sculpteo offers you to easily dig your model. Simply transfer your full file on our website and choose the location of holes for the drain (to evacuate the material present inside the object). The algorithm does the rest. 

If you prefer your model scoop yourself, there is a “ thick” function in freeCAD share workshop.

Simply click on the opening side of the hull and choose the thickness. 

You can also use the standard functions of material removal. Boolean function as the “subtraction” in the studio “Part” 

Or workshop material removal tool “Part Design” 

Warning: remember to always leave a hole for the discharge of the powder. 

Without drain holes, your object, even with the correct thickness, will be considered as full because the blocked powder inside can not be removed, however, its strength will be lower because it will be full of powder “ unfused “. Keep a drain hole is particularly important. For more information on the diameter of the holes to make, based on the material used, consult our page on materials. 

You can add text or raised patterns on your subject using the tools of Sculpteo but you can also do it in FreeCAD. Therefore you have two possibilities:

• Using The Text tool in the workshop Draft freeCAD
•  Import A .SVG file, for example logo

Use the Text tool in the workshop Draft

 

The workshop Draft or drawing board is a workshop used to add basic features of 2D drawing to freeCAD. It can also manage the import of different vector formats like DXF or .SVG.

Use the text tool  (be careful,  only creates annotations unusable for a sketch to be extruded) to manipulate character strings from the font of your choice and make a usable3D sketch out of it.

Therefore you need to create a folder containing the fonts you want to .TTF format .OTF or PFB. 

The resulting sketch is usable as any other sketch:

Import a .SVG

File Sometimes it can be useful to import a vector file without having to redraw it. This is the case when you import a logo for example. Freecad supports various vector formats DWG, DXF, etc.

Here we take the example of the .SVG which gives good results.

You can transform .PNG into .SVG with the drawing software illustrator, or thanks to an online service.

Click on File > Import 

Then select import as geometry

You get a set of paths

This path can not be used as such. For surfaces, you can use the tool level up

These surfaces are extrudable

With 3D printing, you can print the moving parts or objects articulated in a single printing. Your object is then build fully assembled, functional, and with non-removable parts. 

However, it must follow certain rules so that your object is functional. 

For example, for a plastic object, you must leave a minimum clearance of 0.5mm around the various bodies so that they are not merged during the printing. For the modeling rules based on materials, please visit our on materials. We will see how to measure elements and distances in the next chapter. 

To achieve separate elements of a specific distance, use the conventional constraints tools . 

Freecad includes a materials management module, still very incomplete and only used for its integrated 3D rendering solution. However, the colors / materials information are not exportable. You can not export a file freeCAD including textures. 

Only a filter before exporting can exploit materials information by separating the file zones (each different material will be considered a different mesh area). You will need to export your freeCAD file using software to manage colors / textures (like Blender for example), assign your textures in this software, and then export it again. 

This process is particularly laborious and involves many risks of failures, during the export of materials and during the export of volume. 

That’s why if the texture is important for your modeling work, you’ll have to carry directly the model into a software manager textures, like Blender. 

Moreover, UV management is almost impossible with freeCAD. The basic UV are unusable and unfold a mesh exported freeCAD file is often a challenge that will waste more time than it will save it. 

For more information on modeling for 3D printing with Blender, please consult our tutorial Prepare your file for 3D printing with Blender.