this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2025
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FreeCAD

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Your own 3D parametric modeler.

www.freecad.org

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.

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Still pretty new to FreeCAD (and CAD in general), any advice on my design before I 3d print it? (www.printables.com)
submitted 2 weeks ago by MxRemy@piefed.social to c/freecad@lemmy.ml
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The .stl and .fcstd files are at the link. All the test joints I printed fit together really nicely, but I'm worried the overall design might have issues that I'm too much of an amateur to identify. It'll need a LOT of filament... Good wooden marudai cost hundreds of dollars, whereas 1500g of my preferred filament is only like $45, but I'd still hate to waste that much of it. The printing itself I'm not too concerned about, it's easy stuff. Just a little bridging and no support. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean the finished/assembled object will be functional. Thanks in advance if you have any tips!

PS: This is also my first use of the spreadsheet function, I usually just rely on named constraints from prior sketches. It's really neat. FreeCAD rules!

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[–] Symphonic@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I have a few ideas -

  1. Replace the posts with wooden dowels. That might make it stronger and still cheaper.
  2. This one is harder to describe. Assume that you have a post of diameter 5mm and length 100mm, and your base is 20mm high. At the post's base make it dia 10mm and height 10mm. Now make a similar negative feature in your base ⌀5x10, ⌀10x10. To assemble, insert the post from the bottom of the base. This way you'll get a lot more support.
  3. You can make the idea above more 3d printable by using generous chamfers.
  4. Your current profile is hexagonal, you can still make the collar. Make one of the edges coincident instead of the axis. You'll still be able to print flat. Or if you want a concentric hexagon then cut off the excess collar at the plane of the shorter hexagon.
  5. You can employ a similar technique for the top but you'll have to get more creative there.

(Edit - I'm sorry, I can't figure out formatting on my app)

[–] MxRemy@piefed.social 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Whoaaa, that's a GREAT idea!! I get what you mean, that makes sense. Thanks!

[–] Symphonic@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

If you try these out please lmk. I'm very curious to know how it goes.