When 3D printing, you want to carefully select and prepare your model to ensure it will print successfully. You also want to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of different materials and 3D printing technologies for your specific purposes.
Conception
Sketching out your ideas
Design
3D modeling your ideas
Prepare for 3D Printing
Validating mesh, creating supports
Generate G-code
3D Print
Post Processing
1. Select Digital Files
The most common 3D printable files are .stl and .obj files.
Files should be non-planar (that is they need to have 3 dimensions).
Final models need to be a watertight enclosed mesh.
2. Prepare for 3D printing
Open the model into the software associated with the printer being used.
The software will slice the model into layers and write "G Code" that 3D printers use to fabricate the design.
Most 3D printers transfer the G Code to the printer via USB
3. Print!
Printing time varies significantly based on a number of factors including:
- Infill
- Layer height
- Size of model
