Overview Link to section: Overview
I’ve written maker guides for All3DP (an online 3D-printing publication) covering Arduino (a platform for programmable electronics), CNC (computer numerical control) hardware, and 3D-printing software.
I’ve also written a functional CAD (computer-aided design) tutorial built around a printed organizer for USB drives and a card reader.
Published articles Link to section: Published articles
The Arduino beginner guide introduces microcontrollers (small computers that control electronics), the Uno (an Arduino board), and a first Blink sketch (a program that blinks an LED). The CNC hardware guide covers a CNC shield (an add-on board for connecting CNC hardware to an Arduino). Cura (a slicer that prepares 3D models for printing) is the subject of the Linux walkthrough.
| Article | Subject and date |
|---|---|
| Arduino for Beginners: How to Get Started | Introduction to microcontrollers, the Uno, and a first Blink sketch; August 15, 2020 |
| Arduino CNC Shield: Buyer’s Guide | What the shield does and how controller options differ; August 1, 2020 |
| Cura & Linux: How to Make Them Work Together | Installation and first-use walkthrough; June 30, 2020 |
| CNC 3018 (Pro) Software: The Best Programs | CNC software guide credited to Devan Metz and Guilherme Schendel; updated September 24, 2024 |
These links go to the articles on All3DP, where later editorial updates may have changed the original text. Product recommendations and software steps reflect their publication dates.
Functional CAD tutorial Link to section: Functional CAD tutorial
My functional CAD tutorial walks through making an organizer for USB drives and a card reader. It starts with measurements, develops the shape through sketches and modeling, and ends with a printed part holding the devices.
The blue organizer in the cover photo is from this separate tutorial sample.
Explaining through an object Link to section: Explaining through an object
The tutorial’s sequence gives a reader a concrete path through the subject:
- Identify the physical objects that need organizing.
- Measure the dimensions that constrain the holder.
- Turn those measurements into sketches and model geometry.
- Show the intermediate modeling work.
- Compare the printed result with the original need.
The finished organizer gives the reader a way to compare the dimensions in the model with the fit of the real devices.
Writing approach Link to section: Writing approach
These guides explain a subject through a specific task: running a first Arduino sketch, choosing CNC controller hardware, or turning measurements into a part that fits. Each step gives the reader something concrete to try or compare.
For a related example with editable dimensions and printing notes, see Parametric FreeCAD Designs.
FAQ
What subjects did Devan write about for All3DP?
The published guides cover Arduino, CNC hardware, and 3D-printing software, including a first Blink sketch, CNC shields, Cura on Linux, and CNC 3018 software.
What does the functional CAD tutorial build?
The separate tutorial develops an organizer for USB drives and a card reader, starting with measurements and ending with a printed part holding the devices.
Is the cover photo from an All3DP article?
The blue printed organizer in the cover is from the separate functional CAD tutorial sample.