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DesignSpark Mechanical to 3D print

This short article shows two of my first designs.

First I must say DesignSpark Mechanical is a great free tool, powerful and relatively easy to learn, just make sure you watch the videos they will provide the essential guides on what to do. Also learn what you can do with the mouse, it has the essential visual tools right at your fingertips!

The picture shows how I made a replacement part for a dash cam clamp. The original part failed on its second day, so a stronger redesigned part was required. Using callipers to measure the key dimension and analysing how it actually works a new design was created in DesignSpark Mechanical. Being relatively new to the CAD package I ran into problems creating it in its 'flat' orientation, however for me flipping it on its side and drawing the 2D side profile and then pulling that made the creation process much simpler, so don't just 'dive in'!

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The 3D part was created, exported to STL, processed in CURA and printed. The part was cleaned up, replaced on the clamp and worked perfectly.

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In the photo there is also a 'boss' which will form the base holding a tube for another design (watch this space).

A keen electronics design engineer with experience in many areas, Spent 30 years in a science environment providing technology solutions to enable scientists to optimally perform their work. Has involved every type of component I can think of! From fempto amps, 5kV supplies, Liquid Nitrogen cooled PIN diodes and CCD's, micro power components for portable applications and class 4 argon lasers. Looking back I was privileged to be a paid 'hacker' with interesting projects to design.
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