How to make a Keychain Fob
This is an introduction to Autodesk Inventor, and a chance for you to play with this software. It's a powerful tool and we'll be learning more details about it over the following weeks, but this is enough to to go from a basic 2D sketch, create it in CAD software, and then be able to print it as physical 3D object.
Where to start
Doing back to the Engineering Design process, we start with a sketch, an idea of what we're creating.While I based the video off of my sketch, you'll have some dimensioned drawings to guide you, but remember that you can tweak this to make it your own.
Video Tutorials
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Making the Basic Keychain
Step 1: Create Part Step 2: 2D Sketch Base Step 3: Extrude Sketch Step 4: Repeat 2 and 3 to create outer rim. Step 5: Repeat to creak hole for keychain Step 6: Add text to the object Step 7: Use center lines and constraints to center the text Step 8: Save your work |
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Exporting Keychain as an STL File
STL files are like JPGs for 3D object. We can't edit them, but they are easy to read and send to 3D printers. This video shows you one method to export STL files from Autodesk Inventor 2016 so your keychain can be printed Step 1: Preview 3D Print Step 2: Edit Options Step 3: Make sure it is set to use Millimeters as its units Step 4: Set it Medium Resolution Step 5: Save as STL Step 6: Submit your inventor part file and your STL file to me (check your Canvas Assignments for this activity) |
Time to print
This design will take about 10 minutes to print, not counting the time it takes for the machine to warm up and get calibrated. When you add all the other pieces that need printing it will take a while to print everyones keychain fobs. While we have multiple 3D printers available in our classrooms, it still takes time to set up and print the jobs. We will not print everything we do in CAD in our class assignments, but we do like to share our resources with you. To use our printers and the filament needed, you need to create the inventor files, be able to explain them, and use a reasonable amount of material.
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Doing more with 3D Design
Now that we've introduced you to Autodesk Inventor, know that there's tons more information out there, and as a student you can download Autodesk Software at home, for free! Do back to my general information page for Inventor If you want some inspiration for what others have created in CAD for 3D printing, check out Thingiverse.