If you choose to send us a STL, .OBJ, .STEP or any other formats, format file there a few basic guideline to produce a printable 3D CAD file. There are a wide range of basic free software that will allow you to open and work on these formats.
Firstly, a 3D printable object needs to be drawn as a solid object, meaning all surfaces and polysurfaces must be closed and the object should have a volume.
You need to make sure there are no surfaces missing, as any holes from the model can make it not print properly. In order to visualize a solid object, imagine it filled with water and think to fill all the gaps so the water won’t escape.
Pay attention when using a modelling software as you may draw surfaces the wrong way up. This is called an inverted normal and if this happens the objects will not be seen as solid. Usually CAD software will inform you if such error happens and suggest different ways to correct it.
A common error with models are unconnected edges or holes. This might happen when there are small gaps between surfaces. Remember to check and fill these gaps to make your object watertight.
Keep a close eye on duplicates or overlapping surfaces. These errors may appear when multiple surfaces are applied in the same place and must be deleted. Most CAD software’s will help you detect and correct such errors.
Make your objects part of the same space and into one single body.
If the objects in your CAD file should be touching, you need to bind more than one edge together.
Please read Tech Spec before choosing the material. It is important to think about what thickness and rigidity you would like for your object.
It’s very important to check the scale of your product before submitting for printing. This might have a big impact on the cost or your object might be too big to print and will need to be divided in parts and assembled after. Also pay attention to scaled down objects as some areas might be too small to print.
Finally, when exporting to a .STL, .OBJ, .STEP or any other formats, keep in mind the file size and choose the appropriate resolution. This should be high enough to have a smooth model but not larger than the printer’s resolution.
We always check models to ensure it is printable to our standards and let you know if there are any issues / corrections to be made.