preparing files for 3D printing

preparing files
for 3D printing

in order to save you time & money, & to ensure a better 3D print quality, please check that your 3D file is printable according to the points below:

1) size

check that your 3D model size is not too small nor too big.

the maximum build volume of our Prusa 3D printers are 250 x 210 x 210mm.

micro component 3d mesh

should your 3D model size exceed the printer build volume, please split/cut the 3D model as you see fit.

micro component 3d mesh

2) watertight

a 3D model is not printable when there is a hole in its surface. the simplest way is to check that your 3D model is a closed mesh. when there is a hole, your 3D modeling software will define the model as an open mesh.

micro component 3d mesh

3) wall thickness

a 3D model is not printable when there is a wall with no thickness.

in general, we recommend a minimum of 2mm for wall thickness.

micro component 3d mesh

4) overlapping surfaces

a 3D model is not printable when there are overlapping surfaces.

micro component 3d mesh

5) 1 file for 1 printed item

there should only be 1 closed mesh in every 3D file, in other words every 3D file should contain only 1x 3D model.

if you have 6 different items to print, there should be 6x 3D files, each file containing 1x closed mesh.

micro component 3d mesh

6) small details

in general, we recommend a minimum of 1mm in width, length, and height for small details.

7) file format

STL

print support & support removal

3D model with overhanging detail will be printed with print support.

we will remove the support for you upon 3D print completion. please note that visible support marks are common once support has been removed.

you can smooth the surface yourself or we can provide that service.