CAD
Use constraints, parameters, reference geometry, patterns, and assemblies to make revisions deliberate rather than fragile.
FG / 11 / Field guide
3D Printing
Treat the printer as the output device; the durable capability is designing the part.
Pulse
Current briefing
What is moving now.
01
Get your bearings
The printer is the output device. The durable skill is translating a real-world problem into geometry with tolerances, material behavior, orientation, fastening, and iteration designed in from the beginning.
02
Start here / Three moves
- 01
Model a measured replacement
Choose a simple broken spacer, bracket, cover, or organizer and build it from caliper measurements and explicit design intent.
- 02
Print a tolerance test
Learn the machine’s real holes, fits, walls, bridges, and shrink behavior in the material you expect to use.
- 03
Revise from failure
Mark whether the problem came from measurement, geometry, slicing, material, orientation, or the machine before changing several things at once.
03
Build capability
Design for printing
Control orientation, supports, layer direction, clearances, heat, creep, fasteners, and stress concentration.
Validation
Test fit and load, compare the part to its actual job, and keep the editable model with revision notes.
04
Choose gear / Decision rule
Choose printers, materials, and software by the parts you intend to make, dimensional needs, environment, support burden, repairability, and whether the ecosystem strengthens or hides the design skill.
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Field Notes
Original editorial work