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Using the stages described below in this blog post you can easily design and build your ideas as 3D printed models using DesignSpark Mechanical CAD software and an EnvisionTEC Micro XL 3D printer.

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Design (DesignSpark Mechanical)

DesignSpark Mechanical is a powerful 3D modelling software that is a free to download here on DesignSpark. It is easy to use and learn with a user interface that is in the style of Microsoft Office therefore feels instantly familiar. Also the intuitive interaction with the 3D models means that actions such as extruding surfaces, adding chamfers, creating holes etc. is easy to perform visually. 

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DesignSpark Mechanical allows files to be saved as many different file formats including STL files (which are widely used for 3D printing).

Support (EnvisionTEC Magics Desktop)

Preparing your STL file for printing is easy with EnvisionTEC Magics Desktop. This software is included with the EnvisionTEC Micro XL 3D printer and it allows for quick file fixing and adding support structures to the STL file. Support structures are an important part of using a 3D printer as they ensure that the part is not damaged when removing it from the machine and also help certain features of the part to form correctly during the build process. 

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EnvisionTEC Magics Desktop includes automatic support generation. You can also individually edit each support if needed. When completed the file is saved as an STL file and the supports are also exported as an associated STL file ready for slicing.

Slicing (Perfactory Suite)

Also included with the EnvisionTEC Micro XL 3D printer is a copy of Perfactory Suite software. This software allows the user to easily prepare a job file that can run on the 3D printer. The Perfactory software is where you position the supported STL files and then slice the files ready for printing. Slicing translates the CAD models into individual layers; this is a format that the 3D printer machine understands.

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Build (EnvisionTEC Micro XL)

Once the slice file is complete you are ready to load the file on to the EnvisionTEC Micro XL 3D printer. 

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The EnvisionTEC Micro XL is a small desktop 3D printer that can connect directly to your PC workstation and is used just like a personal desktop printer. It is a user friendly, easy to maintain machine that produces very high professional grade quality models.

The EnvisionTEC Micro XL uses state-of-the-art Direct Light Projection technology from Texas Instruments® coupled with LED performance.

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Removing and finishing the parts

Once the build is complete, it is simply the case of removing the parts from the build platform using a scraper and then washing them in isopropyl. 

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The smooth surface finish of models from the machine means little or no hand finishing of the parts are required. If needed, the parts are very easy to work with, in terms of using hand tools, sand paper etc.

The finished parts can also be painted using spray paint etc. for achieving high quality prototypes that look professional.

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DesignSpark Mechanical is available to download here

Buy an EnvisionTEC Micro XL

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