Quick 3D Printing File Guide 3DPE.COM.AU 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing enables its users to create many objects in ways which were previously not possible, such as ready working parts or once impossible to machine forms. There are still some limitations, or things which will compromise the objects integrity. Some of the things to be aware of have been described here in this quick guide.
File Types
We accept .obj and .stl files, maximum file size 64mb. These need to be placed in a zip folder before they are sent to us. Use your export or save as function to create these file types with your CAD program.
.OBJ
Programs to clean and edit STL files Free Programs
Meshlab netfabb Studio Basic Paid Programs for cleaning and editing your .STL’s
iMaterialise Magics netfabb Studio Professional
.STL
General Limitations Build Size
14
0
14
0
150
140
This is the general limitation of the size that we can make things in one. If this is too small, we can split your files to be fused together post printing. In special circumstances we can organise for bigger things to be made in one using alternate printers.
20
0
0
15
Build Material
During the build process certain shapes will require build material. Build material is part of what enables you to make any form. However it also adds extra time and extra materials into your overall print job and post processing. Build is required for things such as:
overhang overhangs or geometry which floats in the air
30° angles over 30˚ will generally be supported
Good Meshes Basics
Polygon meshes need to be closed for a solid object to be printed. They need to be “watertight�, with no open surfaces and need to be made of complete solids.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness should be a minimum of 2mm unless in special cases - (talk to us if it is important)
open surface
Open Surface
open surface will compromise you print job, as the printer will print into nothing for this part of the file
Zero Thickness
polygons overlapping each other will create a zero-thicknesses which can not be made.
Print Settings Basics
Our basic print setting is always 250 micron with medium fill and maximum wall thickness, enabling good strength and resolution. For aestheiticly based work or parts that require maximum strength, our resolution we will adjust accordingly to produce the best result.
Infill
There are different levels of infill which provide a strong honeycomb structure.This includes an almost solid fill, medium fill, or an outer shell.
Layer Height
100 micron being superfine, and 400 having obvious stepping. 100mircon printing takes significantly longer and does not yeild a huge advantage in aesthetic quality past 200micron.