3D CAD modeling software
I use SolidWorks as my modeling software. Most modeling software will follow the same steps. There are only three basic things that you need to know how to do to make the window; create a rectangle, cut, or extrude.
The first thing that I will do is create a solid rectangle with the same dimensions as the outside of the window frame. These dimensions have been taken from my paper sketch. See photo 3.
Next, I will cut out the section for the window, leaving just the window frame. See photo 4.
I will now extrude the mullions. Mullions are the cross members inside the window frame that divide the space into four small sections. Since I want them to appear as a true 3D window, I will only make the mullions half the thickness of the window frame. See photo 5.
Let’s take some time to explore the part a little more. You will notice the left-side tab called “Features.” There you will find “Boss-Extrude1.” This is the original rectangle that was created. Next you will find “Cut-Extrude1.” This is where I cut out the window area, leaving only the frame. Lastly you will find “Boss-Extrude2.” This is the mullions, which ordinarily complete the window. I am going to add one last detail by rounding the edges of the mullions.
The part is now completed in the modeling software but we cannot use the SolidWorks part file. (This is true of any of the modeling programs that you would use.) I have to save the part as an *.stl file using the “Save-as” function and picking the stl extension from the pull-down menu. This is the file type that the printer software can use.
Once that is done, let’s use the program available on the Internet with the URL
www.viewstl.com to see what we have. See photo 6.