Designing 3D models for 3D printing can sometimes be annoying because there is no completely unified standard for 3D models for 3D printing. Different modeling software, different printing materials, and different printer models even mean completely different 3D printing technologies, which will be reflected in different requirements for 3D models. So as a 3D designer, if you find it difficult to design a useful 3D printing model, it is completely normal.
1. The 3D model file does not match the selected printing supplies.
The performance of each printing consumable is different. Some are fragile and some are strong, some are soft and some are hard, some are smooth and some are rough, some are dense and some are less dense, and so on. Therefore, after deciding to use the 3D printing process to produce a product, the ideal situation is that you have already thought about what consumables you will use to print the object before drawing the 3D model artwork. For example, if you want to use ceramic 3D printing, you can consider the characteristics of ceramic 3D printing in advance to conceive the supporting overhang structure that must be used in printing, and design appropriate reinforcement elements for the protruding parts, as well as appropriate corners. Design etc.
Please be aware that the printing material you use has determined that you must follow the 3D model characteristics suitable for this material. If you cannot meet these characteristics, it will be easy to have defects and problems during actual printing, or even be impossible to print at all. Condition.
Solution: You can always check our material guide page, which lists the names of the printing processes used for different materials, as well as the design guidelines for each printing process. You can also click the online consultation button on Mohou.com to learn about the characteristics and design points of each printing process from our professional customer service staff.
3. The wall thickness of the 3D model file does not meet the printing requirements.
Important things to say three times: the wall thickness of the 3D model must meet the printing requirements! The wall thickness of the 3D model must meet the printing requirements! The wall thickness of the 3D model must meet the printing requirements!
The wall thickness of 3D models that do not meet the printing requirements is currently the most frequent problem we encounter. Many 3D model printing products are not ideal or cannot be printed because of this reason. When the wall thickness of the model is too thin, some small parts of the model cannot be printed, or they are too fragile and quickly break. When the printing wall thickness is too thick, the printed object may occasionally crack or be damaged due to excessive pressure on the internal structure.
Solution: You can always check our material guide page, which lists the names of the printing processes used for different materials, as well as the design guidelines for each printing process. You can also click the online consultation button on Mohou.com to learn about the characteristics and design points of each printing process from our professional customer service staff.
4. The resolution of the 3D model file does not meet the printing requirements
Have you read the article on how to do 3D printing design on Mohou.com? Have you selected printing supplies based on the first two points in this article? Has the wall thickness been confirmed? Great, let’s look at point four: file resolution.
In the world of 3D printing, STL is the most common file format. This file format is based on triangular surfaces, which means that your 3D model will also be converted into a model composed of triangular surfaces. Most 3D modeling software can output files in STL format and set the required resolution. The picture below shows the final effect of the same model under different resolution output conditions. The resolutions are arranged from high to low from left to right.
Both too-high and too-low resolutions can easily cause printing problems:
The resolution is too low: Please note that the output file resolution is too low, which will inevitably affect the quality of the printed product. Low resolution means that each triangle on your STL file is too large, therefore the surface of your finished print will not be smooth enough. The result will be a “pixelated” finished product.
Resolution is too high: Output file resolution that is too high will cause your file to be too large and cannot be processed by our 3D printer. Files that are too large may contain too fine details that cannot be printed by our 3D printer. So we suggest that your output file size should not exceed 100MB.
Solution: For most 3D modeling software, when you need to output a file, it will ask you to define the tolerance. This tolerance defines the maximum distance between the grid points on the output STL grid file and your original model. We recommend choosing 0.01mm. A tolerance of less than 0.01mm is meaningless because a 3D printer cannot print details smaller than that. When the tolerance is greater than 0.01mm, it is possible to see triangular surfaces visible to the naked eye on the surface of the object.
5. The software used to generate 3D model files does not match the printing process
There are many types of 3D modeling software. Some are specially designed for 3D printing, while others are mainly used for 3D rendering or other purposes. Many modeling software require further editing before outputting the 3D printing model. For example, setting layer thickness can be done automatically in some modeling software, while in others it must be done manually.
Even if you are using an entry-level 3D printing modeling software (such as Tinercad), you may still encounter difficulties when making a hollow model. In this case, we recommend downloading a free software called Meshmixer.
If you are using Blender (mainly used for 3D drawing and animation), SketchUp (mainly used for architecture and miniatures), or ZBrush (a favorite sculpting software among 3D artists), then you need to further improve your 3D model. processing. Depending on the type of software you use, the model walls may need to be further joined, the model may need to be sealed, the wall thickness may need to be set and applied, the print size may need to be set again, etc. Each software is a little different.
Solution: Go to the official websites of these software to find 3D printing operation guides, or search for useful tutorials online. If you still can’t figure it out, it is recommended that you put the output model into the free software Meshmixer, and then use the 3D printing preparation tool inside to check and process it again.
Summary: How to Make a 3D Model for Printing
Please take a deep breath and don’t worry too much, when you make a special model for 3D printing, you will find that it is easier than you think. Just make sure you know your 3D modeling software and make sure you know the 3D printing materials you want to use.
