After you have created a 3D model in the 3D modeling software, you can finally export the STL file for 3D printing? Wait, there are still some things you need to pay attention to before 3D printing.
This time, we will use Nomad Sculpt’s 3D model: Kirby as an example to tell you what you need to pay attention to.
1. Check if the 3D file can be 3D printed.
Can a 3D file be 3D printed? Answer: Not really. In Nomad Sculpt, the most common situations are the following two: one is that the file has damaged parts (usually displayed in orange), and the other is that the file lacks sufficient thickness (too thin).
If the file is damaged, you can try to use Remesh to fill the holes in the unclosed 3D model. If the file lacks sufficient thickness, you can first use various Nomad Sculpt tools to thicken the thin parts, such as the Extract function in the Mask/Selmask tool.
2. Consider how to color and assemble the model after 3D printing
Many times, people will directly 3D print the finished work as a whole piece, but ignore the fact that if it needs to be colored after printing, the covered parts may increase the difficulty of coloring. In order to avoid the difficulty of coloring, you can divide the model into parts before exporting the STL file, and then export the parts one by one into files.
In addition to being easy to color, there are many advantages to printing in parts, such as reducing the use of supports, which reduces support marks on the surface of the model, while also saving materials and printing time. It should be noted that when designing parts, you need to pay attention to the size combination of the assembly positions, which will affect the tightness during assembly.
3. Consider the size of the exported file/part All
3D files created by sculpting have one thing in common, which is that the file size is generally large. The more detailed the 3D model is, the more meshes form the model, and the larger the file size will be.
Before exporting the STL file, you can In Sculpt's "Decimation", the mesh number of the model is reduced by decimating it, thereby making the file smaller. It should be noted that if the number of meshes is too small, the model may lose details.
4. Slicing Tips
Slicing is a very important part of 3D printing settings before 3D printing.
Here are three tips for you:
Model placement direction: pay attention to the model placement angle and adjust the size
Support: use the automatic support function
Layer Height: the thinner the layer, the finer the printed product
**3D printing tips: Choose the right printing method and printing material
In different environments or uses, you need to consider using different printing methods and printing materials.
To learn more about 3D printing methods and printing materials, please visit our website: 3D Design and Printing Services , or our blog: From Novice to Expert: FDM 3D Printing Challenges and the Difficulty of Printing with Common 3D Printing Materials .
Want to experience the entire process from 3D modeling to 3D printing? Join our Idea to Done workshop to fulfill your wish!
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