All of the major CAD packages include functionality to export digital models to the STL file format. Export from CAD: Another popular option for obtaining an STL file is to export this file from the CAD package of your choosing, such as SketchUp or Solidworks. Place the STL file in a folder on your computer, as you’ll import the file in the next step.Ģ. Click “Download This Thing!” then click the “comp_wheel.stl” file to download the STL file. For this example, we will be using blecheimer’s compressor wheel model for this tutorial. There are several popular websites that contain thousands of digital models that have already been optimized for extrusion-based 3D printing. Download from the internet: The first and the simplest method is to download a pre-existing STL file from the web. Following these guidelines will ensure that you will successfully print a part that is larger than your printer’s build volume.There are two common methods for obtaining an STL file:ġ. Finally, use your design skills to properly segment and place the sub-parts on the build plate for efficient and effective printing. These enhanced joints along with adhesive supplements will ensure that the finished assembled product will not suffer any ill effects from segmentation. Next, make sure to use standard joint solutions that that will enhance the strength and efficacy of the segmented sub-parts. Also, use existing contours of your model/part to “hide” well placed segmentation. The first rule is to segment your model/part in such a fashion as to mitigate stresses that will be placed on the completed model/part. Printing a 3D model/part that is larger than the build volume of your printer can be challenging, but achievable if you follow these basic rules. If at all possible, plan to print you joint section of the model/part at an angle to the z-axis. As you well know, the weakest part of a 3D printed model/part is along the layers in the direction of the z-axis. Also, you may want to consider how the joint is printed in relation to the z-axis. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but most times it is best if another edge is utilized as the base of the print. Remember not to use any section of a joint as the base of the print.

Finally, one needs to consider how these sub-parts should be printed in order to optimally print a completed model/part.

Simplify 3D slice model in half