How to print moving joints in one print job?

[clinton 7]

I'm new to 3D printing so there maybe an obvious answer to this question. I'm fascinated with the idea that you can print built-in joints into a 3D model all in the same print job. e.g. articulated legs on the elephant and ball bearings in a roller bearing.

I'm using Fusion360 and as a test I have drawn a ball and socket joint where the ball is set into the socket so it can't pull out. I've added a little tolerance between the socket and the ball but when I try to send it to Cura it only allows me to select one body at a time. Do I need to manually put joins in between the two bodies to fool it into thinking it is one object?

[Nicolinux 288]

Hi,

What do you mean with "when I try to send it to Cura"? Usually when you model something, then you export it in the .stl format and load this in Cura. Maybe it depends on the Fusion360 workflow - but I'd guess you just need to select both objects and export them as a single .stl file.

What happens when you load the .stl file in Cura? Maybe post a screenshot of your model after you have switched to the "layer view".

[marco3D 17]

To save multiple objects in Fusion360:

* first make sure the objects you intend to save are visible, and the objects you do not want included in the file are not visible.

* select the toplevel filename in the browser using right-click.

* then select "save to STL"

* in the pop-up menu you can choose between one file with multiple objects, or multiple files with one object each.

I still think you will need to design some small thin connection between the socket joint and ball which you can break after printing, as starting to print from mid-air will probably not work

Marco