If you're planning on 3D printing your model, there are a few steps you need to take first in order to prepare it. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps of preparing your model for 3D printing, so that you can get the best results possible.
This isn’t the place for a deep-dive into filament types and uses, but PLA is a popular 3D printing material due to its ease of printing and availability. PLA also has low warp and shrinkage properties, meaning that it is more likely to create high quality prints, which is important to know when selecting the right material for your project.
PLA is derived from plant-based sources, so objects created with PLA are biodegradable - making it the ideal green 3D printing material for those seeking an eco-friendly option. It is widely used in a variety of applications including engineering, architectural and mechanical projects.
PLA also has a wide range of customization options available such as metallic finishes, custom color and PLA/ABS blend materials. Ultimately, PLA offers versatile and sustainable 3D Printing solutions that should be considered when choosing the right material for your project.
Designing a model that is 3D printable can be a rewarding, albeit challenging process. Before creating or finding your desired design, you must consider the size of your build plate and the build volume of your 3D printer. For designs that are larger than your 3D printer’s maximum, you’ll need to design it in multiple parts and plan on post-assembly.
Connecting your 3D printer to 3DPrinterOS is easy – literally, count about 4 minutes from start to finish. From the menu at the top, choose “Printers”, then on the right you’ll see a green button that says, “Add Printer.”
You’ll find the rest pretty self-explanatory – just follow the steps – and let us know if you run into any issues.
Once you have finalized the design for your 3D printed object, the next step is to save your file in a file format that can be read by a 3D printer. The most common when you’re new to 3D printing is an .stl file, however 3DPrinterOS supports .stl, .gcode, and .obj files.
3DPrinterOS allows users to scale and optimally orient their 3D models. This technology allows for real-world modeling projects to be managed with precision, creating 3D models of physical objects with accuracy and detail.
3DPrinterOS's advanced technology enables users to make adjustments to the size and position of 3D models before 3D printing begins, ensuring that each 3D model is built with exact measurements, orientations, and rotations.
Scale can be done by percentage, (for example, changing from 100% to 60% or 140%) or by one click ‘max bed size’, which increases the size to the biggest that will fit on your chosen 3D printer. You also have the option of increasing just one dimension, if you don’t want to keep the proportions – for example, if you want to make your item taller, but keep the rest of the dimensions the same.
As well as manipulating infill and wall thickness, advanced users can even control the toolpath. This can change not only the texture or finish but also the strength and structure of the finished product.
You’ll also want to consider orientation. 3DPrinterOS will help you choose the best orientation for your project once you upload it. If you’re creating your own design, you’ll want to consider what bridging and support will be needed, based on your chosen orientation.
This may seem a lot to remember if you’re new to 3D printing, but don’t be daunted by any of this! You can easily use settings that are already loaded and ready to go.
Once these decisions have been made, the possibilities are endless, and you’ll need to upload your files to 3DPrinterOS. Unlike traditional 3D printing, you do not need an SD card or USB stick, as everything happens within the platform.
3DPrinterOS has revolutionized the 3D printing experience with its excellent built-in slicer. This powerful tool is one of many features that sets it apart from other 3D printing software. Its advanced features allow you to get the most out of your budget, time, and materials, giving you the ultimate control over your 3D project.
With this slicer, you can quickly switch between different models and make quick adjustments to achieve your desired results. The user-friendly interface let’s anyone easily get started on their projects, no matter their available experience level. No other software comes close to offering such an advanced combination of ease and quality!
As you gain experience in 3D printing, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the many features in 3DPrinterOS. Things like analyzing the first layer, supports, and mesh holes become more critical as you acquire skills and take on more challenging 3D printing projects.
Finally, advanced level users can take it farther than ever. 3DPrinterOS users employ toolpath preview and manipulation to make it possible to structurally change the strength, rigidity, or energy absorption of their project.
Learn more about 3DPrinterOS - the most trusted 3D printing management software for Higher Education, Enterprises and OEMs. Fill out this form to get in touch with our experts.
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