3DPE - 3D Printing Guide - 3D Print Express

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.