Shapr3D, A New Tool
I have a treadmill at home that I like to go for runs and walks on. During my physical activities I like to watch a show or movie or play video games on my switch. The only problem is that where my phone or switch goes, there is a little bar preventing the device from falling off. This is great, except it also block half of the view of the device. So I want to create a self that clips on to the bar that still keeps the device safe but raises it up off the regular platform in order to get a better view of the device.
In the past I have used TinkerCad’s online 3D modelling tool. But recently I have heard really good reviews about a software called Shapr3D. From what I have learned, it is really user friendly and beginner safe. So I downloaded the software to take a look and use it with this project to see how I like it. There are a few cavorts that I have seen through my research. 1st is that it is a subscription based program. It is meant more for enterprises and organizations rather than personal use. However, there is a free version. You loose some tools and you can only have 2 projects on the go at a time, but you can export your projects and close them out so you have room for new ones. These drawbacks don’t seem too big to me, so I thought I’d give it a shot.
Modeling and Prototyping
I booted up the software and was pleasantly surprised that there was a tutorial. Most features are the same as any other 3D modelling software. The controls are the same easy layout and it has a sleek GUI. The feature that caught my attention that I ended up really liking is the 2D sketch into 3D shapes. With this feature it allows you to start modelling from a face of the object. This feature was super helpful for this project. If you look at the model from the side, you can see pretty much the full model, just extruded.
With the help of the sketch feature, I was able to quickly model a prototype and print it out. After only 9 minutes of print, I had finished my first prototype. It fit almost perfectly, just a few design flaws. The first issue and most obvious problem was that I made the print to thin. It make a fun catapult for mini paper balls, but its not going to hold much weight anytime soon. The second problem was that the length was too long and did not allow the leg to touch the bottom. I made the model thicker and I moved the length a little should so that the leg can touch.
Not Perfect, But it Works
With the second print, it fits great! Not perfect, but things don’t need to be perfect in order to do the job. If I were to perfect it, I would create the bottom of the leg on an angle to it fits with the slanting holder on the treadmill. The thickness it great, the clip fits nicely, and it seems to have strength to hold up a switch.
I had a lot of fun with this project. I love solving problems with 3D printing. Solutions can be as complex or simply as you need it. Being an active part of the process of finding a problem, thinking of a solution, designing it, then creating it creates a deeper pride in the work and the effort you put into it.