IT & Quality Management Hardware & Software Projects - Design - 2/3D Proofing & Printing

How to prepare CAD file for 3D print?

1. FILE FORMAT OF 3D MODEL The files must be provided in STL, ZPR, PLY or VRML (full colour) formats. It is preferably for the file of a model, that texture is added or the model is coloured. In this case the folder must be in VRML format.

File formats for 3D print models.

2. MODEL SIZE None of the dimensions (x, y or z) can exceed the printer working area (254 mm 356 mm 203 mm). The model can also be designed in greater dimensions, but must be scaled down to the size for submission.

3. CONFINEMENT OF A MODEL A model has to be full (solid) and have closed surfaces.

Model of Narcissus in ZPrint software. White rectangle is build volume of 3D printer (203 x 254 x 203 mm).

4. NORMALS Normals have to be correct and not inverted.

5. THICKNESS OF WALLS Walls must be thick at least 2-3 mm, as model before impregnation is still rather fragile. Details could be smaller if they lay alone on the surface. Full and compact models should be hollow or gouget (Larger models should have 4 - 5 mm thickness of walls). An example: If we have a ball, with diameter of 10 mm, the walls should be 5mm thick. We can drill a very small hole with diameter of 4 mm on the most imperceptible part ob the ball, that dust can be blown out of the model. That is the way we can spare with the weight and material. Plugs and holes must have a bit greater tollerance (app. 0,2 mm), because after impregnation with adhezive and artificial resin, volume of the model slightly increases.

Intersection of Narcissus model in ZPrint software.

6. COMPLEX MODELS Some elements of more complex models, especially architectural, should be simplified and arranged (thicker) for print. For example: Shutters on windows, fences, windows, stairs, internal equipment. If some model is made from many elements, it is proper to store away every part seperately (due to easier rework).

Complex architectural model should be simplified and arranged (thicker) for print.

We can save up on height of the model (time of printing), and also, putting together the elements is more difficult. For example: Models of nuts and screws are saved in seperated folders. We open them seperately and set in the software of 3D printer that they lie together and occupy the lowest height together. Finally we coil nut on screw.

Example of a model printed of three different parts and then constructed in a one single model.