How to Make a 3D Printer Model

If you’re shopping for a premium printer and interested in top-end 3D printers, you may wonder how to create 3D models for a 3D printer. Printing enthusiasts use 3D design software before sending the model to a slicer program or directly to a 3D printer. Creating original 3D objects for the printing process can seem intimidating, but it isn’t too bad. So, keep reading to learn how to make a 3D printer model.

How to Make a Model for 3D Printing

There is a wide range of 3D printing applications to make printable models. You can choose mechanical engineering CAD tools or even video game dev software. Regardless of which you choose, you can also learn how to program a 3D printer.

3D printing hobbyists that know how to make a 3D printer shouldn’t find slicer software too challenging. Creating a model for printing requires basic computer skills, and beginners can create basic geometric shapes within a couple of hours.

While you’ll need separate software for how to monitor a 3d printer remotely, tracking a 3D print layer-by-layer can help you spot 3D printing errors in progress.

STEP 1 Choose Your Software

1. Picking the right software for 3D printing is critical for successful prints. There are multiple free tools like Ultimaker Cura and Tinkercad, and they are great for beginners.

STEP 2 Walk Through a Tutorial

1. Find a basic overview of the 3D modeling tools in your chosen software. Some 3D modeling applications feature a tutorial for new users.
2. Follow the tutorial or a brief video guide on basic navigation through the program.

STEP 3 Start a New Project

1. Navigate to the software’s toolbar, and create a new project.
2. Adjust the base units to suit your 3D print bed to ensure the model isn’t too big.
3. After adjusting the properties, you should have a clean slate for your 3D printing idea.

STEP 4 Begin with Basic Shapes

1. Start with a basic geometric design before moving on to complex shapes.
2. For example, if you want to design a house, start with a cube and a square-based pyramid.
3. Combine those shapes, and you have the basic form of your model.

STEP 5 Adjust the Details

1. Following the example of designing a house, you can adjust the scale of the model, making it wider or longer.
2. Start adding small details. For a small house model, you could add doors, windows, and texturing on the roof.
3. If your 3D printer only supports lower-resolution prints, do not waste much time on minute details because they will not come out in the finished print.

STEP 6 Export the 3D Model

1. Once you finish the model, you can export it to a slicer program.
2. Navigate to the toolbar, and find the Export button.
3. Pick your 3d printing file format (.stl, .obj, .vrml, etc.) and save it.
4. Transfer the file to your 3D printer or a slicer software for further adjustments.