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Things to consider when designing printable 3D files
Before each drawing of a 3D file, you should consider a few basic things to prevent any problems later creating the model on the 3D printer. We have compiled the most important essentials for designing 3D files for you in this blog post.
Waterproof and diverse 3D files
In order to be printable, 3D models must not have any holes within their surface. Since one could theoretically pour water into such holes, one speaks of in this context “waterproof” Models (or 3D files) that can only be printed in those cases where this is not possible.
Mathematically, these models are also referred to as manifold, which in practice amounts to the same as the waterproof category. A face, in our case the surface of a 3D model, does not become manifold if it has (at least) 1 edge that forms an edge for more than 2 faces.
wall thickness and volume
Of equal importance for the printability of the desired component or model is the consideration of wall thicknesses, as the cornerstone of the stability of the object. In this context, it is crucial that each surface of the model is drawn with a wall thickness, so that it can be recognized as a 3-dimensional body. Pointing this out seems all the more important in view of the fact that most 3D drawing programs provide for the design of 2-dimensional surfaces without wall thicknesses. This is due not least to the fact that 3D drawings in many cases (e.g. for computer games) only serve as visual models and therefore do not require wall thicknesses.
However, all this does not change the fact that the respective 3D printer requires clear information about the desired wall thicknesses as well as further volume information.
The wall thickness is the distance (to be filled with material) between the surface of the outside and the surface of the inside of the respective wall. Experience shows that numerous problems that occur with 3D printing can be traced back to incorrectly designed wall thicknesses. The minimum wall thickness required depends primarily on the material selected. Detailed information on minimum wall thicknesses can therefore be found on the respective subpage under Materials.
The drawings below illustrate the construction of wall thicknesses. The specified values refer to the PA plastic, which is particularly popular with our customers.
Properly construct exterior walls from 3D files
You can find more information about wall thicknesses, 3D files and numerous other questions about our 3D printing service on our website or contact our customer service.
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