1 Topic by Rocketman

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Topic: Making 3D Model Files Printable

I have found many cool models online in many formats (least of all .stl), and I was wondering if there is a good systematic way to create a print object as it needs to be to be printed? Convert to .stl, make sure it has solid sides, make sure it is solid on the inside, make sure no parts of it are levitating, make sure there are no holes in the model, etc? I already have like 3 or 4 different programs that I only somewhat know how to use that all do only some of these tastes, leaving other tasks to other programs. What is the best way to prepare models for printing on Solidoodle?

2 Reply by lotw_1

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Re: Making 3D Model Files Printable

There is no best way if getting models from someone else.  It depends on how it was made and converted to STL.  You have to take them on by a case by case basis til everyone makes good models without errors.

3 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Making 3D Model Files Printable

lotw_1 wrote:

There is no best way if getting models from someone else.  It depends on how it was made and converted to STL.  You have to take them on by a case by case basis til everyone makes good models without errors.

This ^

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4 Reply by Brad

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Re: Making 3D Model Files Printable

If you post your model here im sure someone will check it out and help you convert it.

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5 Reply by caswal

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Re: Making 3D Model Files Printable

As lotw_1 said, it really depends on the model. A lot of the time models for games are optimized for polycounts and don't have to be volumetrically sealed, e.g. the end caps of cylinders removed. Also you don't have to worry about having separate meshes in a model that intersect.

We have to do quite a bit of clean up on our own models for 3d printing. And almost everything we model are engine components.

Lead Programmer & Co-Owner of Camshaft Software - Creators of Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game

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6 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Making 3D Model Files Printable

caswal wrote:

As lotw_1 said, it really depends on the model. A lot of the time models for games are optimized for polycounts and don't have to be volumetrically sealed, e.g. the end caps of cylinders removed. Also you don't have to worry about having separate meshes in a model that intersect.

We have to do quite a bit of clean up on our own models for 3d printing. And almost everything we model are engine components.

This is also helpful. If you are just looking to print something you found online, you might need to start with files made specifically for 3D printers.

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.