Design

Not all design aspects are dealt with in CAD software. Sometimes you find you need additional tools, and this is a list of tools I have purchased to help with my own 3D modelling designs.

• Zhjan Digital Vernier Calliper
  • Accurate measurement is a key aspect to designing your own models or modifying existing ones. A set of Vernier callipers are essential in my opinion for getting such measurements. These ones are accurate to ± 0.02 mm which is easily enough to match the accuracy of my prints.
• Liqok Metal Ruler Set
  • Set of three stainless steel rulers: 15 cm. 20 cm, 30 cm.
  • After 3D printing a ruler, that was fine for doing basic measuring where the callipers were perhaps overkill or simply not large enough, it eventually started to lose some of its fine increment markers. I subsequently opted for a tougher set of rulers.
  • The different sizes are actually useful because I already owned a few steel rulers over half a metre, but they are obviously too big to use in some circumstances. Similarly, having different sizes at a smaller scale allows me to take accurate measurements in more circumstances and spaces without having to fold bits of paper and measure those afterwards.