3D Printing

My first 3D project using the Prusa i3 Mk3 3D printer turns out great

Posted by Marlon Lopez on
My first 3D print on the left was made to hold the remote on the right. It was also my first time making a 3D model using Autodesk fusion 360.

After building the Prusa i3 Mk3 3D printer with the help of my daughter, I discovered that the most difficult part in 3D printing is making 3D models from scratch. Although I have made 3D models for use with CNC projects, I had never made a design using Autodesk fusion 360. There was a big learning curve as I went from using a program like Aspire vectric, to fusion 360.

Building the Prusa i3 Mk3 printer and then taking a pre-made 3d file to print is relatively easy to do. The Prusa instructions included with printer are well documented, making all the steps easy to follow and resulting in a good first printout. I initially thought it would be difficult to print; like the time when I used my Shapeoko 2 CNC machine for the first time. However, I was amazed at how easy it was to use.

This is how the remote fits on the cradle I designed and printed using the Prusa i3 MK3 3D printer.

After spending some time learning Autodesk fusion 360, I began on the project shown above. I designed a sleeve that holds a wireless remote and allows me to mount the remote to a wall. I chose to learn fusion 360 because of the various recommendations from users and available online tutorials. So far, it has taken me more time to learn how to make a 3d model in this software than when I learnt to use Aspire for CNC projects. I had hoped that I could simply leverage what I learnt from using the Aspire software, but making CNC files and 3D printing files are two different things.

I made the 3D model in fusion 360 and exported and stl file. Then I imported the file to PrusaControl to generate the g-code for the Prusa i3 Mk3 printer.

After creating the 3D file, I used PrusaControl to make the g-code file which the 3D printer could understand. At this point, I was happy to simply drag and drop and make a few selections in the program without having to worry about more advanced settings. I was eager to send my project to the printer and see how it would turn out, since my project design and dimensions were un-tested. PrusaControl made it so easy to generate g-code and resulted in a good printout.

More photos of the 3d printed remote cradle:

3D design format: STL

Filament Material: PLA

Resolution: .2mm

Infill: 20%

Supports Needed: No

The 3D STL file can be downloaded for FREE from:

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About Marlon Lopez

I enjoy collaborating with artist, photographers, designers and gear heads. I find inspiration while driving the most perfect driving roads imaginable in California. I have experience in print design, web design, advertising, corporate identity, brochures, printed directories, direct mail, interactive design, and 3D printing. My design solutions emerge from a comprehensive design process, and a understanding of my clients needs.

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