QS_Step

Step 2: Checking and Prepping the Model before Export - Download Examples -

Rules for 3D Printing: There are several standard rules for having a 3D Model print successfully. The file format STL (stereolithography) is used by the 3D Printer to produce physical models based on the data in the STL file. To create a physical model, an STL file must have a complete and closed surface. That means there are a few ‘No’s’ in modeling for 3D Printing.

Modeling No no’s

1. No open edges -- Holes in the geometry or floating geometry
2. No double faces -- Faces that share the 3D space
3. No spikes -- Spikes are isolated faces that share only one edge with the object
4. No multiple edges -- Faces that share more than one edge

s2_i1

Be sure to consult your software application for an STL Check Modifier or STL option setting. If you are unsure where to find information on the STL tools in your application, be sure to check our Services -> Details page for a step by step guide to all major 3D application packages.

Modeling while Walking the Line

1. Pushing -- Separate geometry colliding in to each other
2. Overlap -- Faces that completely extend beyond another faces 3D space
3. Thin geometry -- Geometry that is less than .010 inches (.254 mm) will not print. (Thin objects will be more fragile.)
4. To close to call -- Faces that are to close to each other (Not intersecting but within .010 inches of each other) are likely to be printed together.

s2_i2

Interior geometry creates additional walls inside your object, resulting in an increase of material, elongated print time (Excess of 10 times the print schedule) and potentially a weaker structure surrounding the overlapped areas, due to pieces not firmly connected.

Modeling the Safe and Friendly way

1. Airtight -- Geometry that is completely enclosed; having no holes or overlapping parts
2. Generous Polygon Count -- The higher (smoother) the geometry, the better it will print

s2_i3

An airtight object as shown above will produce greater results structurally, print at estimated and/or above average speeds, while using the proper amount of material.