In order for a 3D design to be 3D printed it needs to be solid watertight design in ideally an STL or OBJ file format with a maximum file size of 50mb.

Most 3D design packages come with the ability to export the file in one of these file formats. If you have a design file in another file format there are various converters available online that will turn your file into either an STL or OBJ.

If your file size is over 50mb it is likely that there is too much detail in your design. This can usually occur if the design was originally created on a large scale and then scaled down for 3D printing. For example a Victorian building that was recreated in 3D will have lots of small details but when it’s scaled down, from 20 metres wide to 20 centimetres, that same level of detail is no longer required.

With regards to the design being solid. If we use an example of a building again, when it was originally designed all the internal rooms, doors, furniture, even cavity walls may have been included. However, when it is scaled to down to a fraction of the size the internal rooms may not be required and things like cavity walls may now to be too thin to 3D print. To make it possible to 3D print, the design needs to simplify, that means removing things like the internal rooms and furniture that will not be seen.

And finally when we say watertight, this just means the object being completely sealed off and solid. Imagine filling the object up with water, would it leak out anywhere? If it would, the seal off these holes.

If you have any queries about the suitability of your 3D design then please get in touch and send the file through and we happily have a look and give you any recommendations.