3D Printing Guide, Part 1: Creating a 3D Model
This is the first in a series of guides to introduce the steps involved in 3d printing. This guide covers generating 3d models.
File Formats: STL and OBJ
There are a variety of file formats for 3d objects, but the most common and easiest to work with are STL and OBJ. When you look for files or export your own files, be sure to use one of these formats.
Finding Existing Files
There are a number of free resources online that host 3d files. There are also a number of people selling 3d files, sometimes mixed in with the free ones.
- Thingiverse: free and easy to use
- Shapeways: this is a marketplace where you can purchase already printed versions of files, but if you create an account you can also download (some) of the files themselves to print yourself
- Pinshape: mix of free and paid
- Cults: mix of free and paid
- Or try Google searching something you’re looking for along with “STL” or “OBJ”
If you have any additional recommendations, let us know in a comment below.
Create Your Own Files
Depending on your familiarity with 3d modeling software, you can also create your own models. Free software like Blender can be quite powerful. Again, make sure you export in the correct file format.
If you want to try out a simpler 3d modeling experience, the web tool Tinkercad is free and uses basic shapes like blocks and cylinders with a robust system for combining shapes. Especially if you’re making something somewhat simple, this is a great option.
With either software option, you can also import files you downloaded from a website like the ones listed above and make tweaks, combine files, etc. If you like a model, but want to remove something or add a simple extra piece, import it to Tinkercad and play with it until it looks the way you want, then export it again.
Common Issues to Avoid
Once you get a feel for 3d printing you will have a better sense of what prints well and what doesn’t, but here are a few things to keep in mind for now.
Avoid models that have a small base and expand outward as they go up. These models have large “overhangs,” and while the 3d printer can acommodate them by printing supports, it’s easier to try to avoid altogether if you can. If possible, you might want to print the model upside-down or sideways, something you can either prepare for now by exporting your model that way, or when you’re loading it into the printing software (in the next guide). You might also think about printing the model in a few pieces and gluing it together after it’s printed (try cutting it up in Tinkercad).
Bigger models are generally easier to print, as are models with bigger details. Tiny features like a small figure’s face may not print the way you expect (or at all).
Thin pieces of a model may not stand up to the 3d printing process and can get snapped off or cause other printing errors. If possible, make thin parts of a model a little beefier.
Next…
Once your file is the way you want it, export it and head to the next guide: preparing your file for printing.
