So, let’s look at the steps for building this part. And, of course, we’ve already covered the printing stage. I’ve tried a bunch of different modeling software but the one I like most is AutoDesk’s 123D Design, which is free and powerful enough for most basic tasks.
![autodesk 123d design duplicate part autodesk 123d design duplicate part](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pbU2cIE7L._AC_SY350_.jpg)
Regardless of object you’re attempting to create, the basic steps are pretty much the same: select your software, build your shapes, and print. I’ve evolved the design (using chamfered edges) and printing method (more plastic in-fill) over time, but this post is more about the design of the part itself.
AUTODESK 123D DESIGN DUPLICATE PART CRACKED
The results speak for themselves, but not without caveat: unfortunately this part isn’t quite as strong as the original and has cracked a few times. Specifically, a neighbor recently had a part break on his snow-blower and asked if I could print a replacement part. Thingiverse is a site that allows anyone to download ready-made 3D models for printing (I’ve put some of my own up there and written about them here), but today we’re going to talk about the steps to actually design your own parts. While it still has a long way to go before we’re all printing our own cell phones at home, designing and printing plastic 3D parts is well within reach.
![autodesk 123d design duplicate part autodesk 123d design duplicate part](https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FMZ/J8LO/HMVJDN8Q/FMZJ8LOHMVJDN8Q.png)
![autodesk 123d design duplicate part autodesk 123d design duplicate part](https://images.sftcdn.net/images/t_app-cover-l,f_auto/p/3107a9c4-96da-11e6-bd24-00163ed833e7/144313915/autodesk-123d-screenshot.jpg)
3D printing technology continues to advance, as seen in this excellent infographic on. The MakerBot 3D Printer is a pretty cool piece of technology that we’ve covered before.