How to 3D print a model?

reeshabh_ranjan

I would like to know the general steps. For example, if I have made a box with a cavity, do I need to identify each face of the box individually or just converting the .stl files to the gcode will do all the work itself?

owen_sparks

Hello.

In general:-

(1) Model your part as a solid in 3D design software such as Onshape. (No need for individual faces, just a single solid lump.)
(2) Export the part as a.stl file
(3) Import that .stl into your 3D printing software.  This may be something specific to your printer or something aftermarket like Simplify3D or Cura.
(4) Use that software to "slice" the model.  This will set the wall thickness, infill percentage etc.
(5) Depending on printer you can now either send the file to the printer by USB / cloud / or transfer to SD-Card for the actual print.

There are some good practices for designing for 3D printing but that's a bit off topic.

Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Cheers,

Owen S.

 

owen_sparks

Hello.

In general:-

(1) Model your part as a solid in 3D design software such as Onshape. (No need for individual faces, just a single solid lump.)
(2) Export the part as a.stl file
(3) Import that .stl into your 3D printing software.  This may be something specific to your printer or something aftermarket like Simplify3D or Cura.
(4) Use that software to "slice" the model.  This will set the wall thickness, infill percentage etc.
(5) Depending on printer you can now either send the file to the printer by USB / cloud / or transfer to SD-Card for the actual print.

There are some good practices for designing for 3D printing but that's a bit off topic.

Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Cheers,

Owen S.