3D Printing

What to Know and How Blind Users Can Make Their Own Objects
By Judy Dixon
In 1 volume

Although 3D printing has evolved from being a niche technology to a more common hobby, it can still be intimidating. How do you create a model? What does it mean to slice a model? How can you print a 3D object without spending loads of money on a 3D printer? What is filament? How can a blind or visually impaired person even navigate the software to start the process in the first place? This book from technology writer Judy Dixon answers all of these questions and more. Judy includes a glossary of useful terms, describes how she has created an accessible workflow, and goes through the process of printing a button from start to finish. She also lists several books, websites, keyboard shortcuts, and other 3D-printing resources to help anyone wanting to get started with 3D printing!

Listen to Judy Dixon talk about 3D printing on Eyes on Success.

See all of our Technology books and tutorials!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
About This Book
Chapter 1: The Basics of 3D Printing
What Is 3D Printing?
A Brief History of 3D Printing
Some Useful Terms

Chapter 2: Overview of the 3D-Printing Process
Two Basic Concepts
Selecting or Creating a Model
Slicing the Model
Printing the Model
Post-Processing

Chapter 3: Where to Get Models
Downloading Models
Tips for Searching for Accessible Models
Let’s Look at Thingiverse
A Few Specialty Sites
See3D
Even Grounds
Accessible STEM
TouchMapper
Makers Making Change
Creating Your Own Model
OpenSCAD: A Text-Based Program to Design a Model
How OpenSCAD Works
An OpenSCAD Example
3DMake for Describing and Orienting Models
Using AI to Generate Models

Chapter 4: Slicing the Model
Using Slicing Software
More About Support Structures
Alternatives to Manufacturer-Supplied Slicing Software
Simplify3D: Mostly Accessible Slicing Software
Command-Line Slicing Options
Slicing the OpenSCAD Example with Simplify3D
Using 3DMake for Slicing

Chapter 5: Printing the Model
Choosing a 3D Printer
Printer Features
Types of Filament
3D Printing Braille
Printing the OpenSCAD Example
Accessories
Printing Accessories
Post-Processing Accessories

Chapter 6: Creating an Accessible Workflow
Sample Accessible Workflows Used by Blind People
Considerations for Creating Your Own Workflow

Chapter 7: Getting Models Printed Without Owning a 3D Printer
Ordering Online
Makerspaces

Appendix A: 3D Printing Resources
Mailing Lists
Podcasts
Websites
Books
From Bookshare
From Kindle
From Audible

Appendix B: Sources of Models to Print
Search Engines for 3D Models
General-Interest Sites for Models
Specialty Sites
Special Collections on Thingiverse
Some Interesting Models

Appendix C: OpenSCAD Resources
Books
from Kindle
from Bookshare
From Amazon
Online Resources

Appendix D: OpenSCAD Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

Appendix E: Simplify3D Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

Conclusion