{"id":2590,"date":"2017-12-06T00:36:19","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T00:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nau.edu\/library\/?page_id=370"},"modified":"2023-03-24T13:33:15","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T20:33:15","slug":"preparing-your-file","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/preparing-your-file\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Your File"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Preparing your file for 3D printing<\/h1>\n<p>You can scan or design an object to be printed using 3D modelling software. There are two computers in the MakerLab that can be used for 3D modeling, scanning, and editing using a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/3d-printing\/\">software programs<\/a> or by modifying a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/\">pre-existing design<\/a>. In order to print your design, it should conform to the below standards.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"File format_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\">\n            File format\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Export your model as a stereolithography file, with an STL extension (.stl).<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Dimensions_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\">\n            Dimensions\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Maximum size is 300 x 300 x 450 mm (12 x 12 x 18 in). Layers must be at least 0.1 mm thick (0.020 in).<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Units_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\">\n            Units\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>We only accept 3D print request submissions in millimeters. If you do not know how to change the units of your model, contact us or make a note in \u201cSpecial Instructions\u201d on the <a href=\"http:\/\/library.nau.edu\/services\/makerlab\/submitjob.html\">submission form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Resolution_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\">\n            Resolution\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>The standard resolution is .2 mm per layer, with 10% infill. You can specify a different quality level by making a note under \u201cSpecial Instructions\u201d on the <a href=\"http:\/\/library.nau.edu\/services\/makerlab\/submitjob.html\">submission form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Multiple parts_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\">\n            Multiple parts\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>If your model includes multiple parts we ask that you please save each part as a separate STL file and submit each file as a separate request.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Make a solid design_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\">\n            Make a solid design\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>The surface of your 3D model must be watertight. This means all faces of the object must construct one or more closed volume entities. Gaps or holes in the model will cause it to print incorrectly.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/wiki.mcneel.com\/rhino\/faqclosedsolids\">See Rhino\u2019s How do I Make a Solid Model.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Delete 2D elements_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\">\n            Delete 2D elements\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Your final model should not contain any 2D elements, as they can cause naked edge problems. Delete any 2D elements that were used to create sweeps, lofts, or other complex shapes.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Geometry check_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-8-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-8-panel\">\n            Geometry check\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-8-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-8-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Check your design for holes, gaps, or other problems before submission. Numerous third party tools can help you fix geometry problems, including:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/service.netfabb.com\/login.php\">NetFabb<\/a> \u2013 free online service for checking and repairing 3D model files.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.meshlab.net\/\">MeshLab<\/a> \u2013 open source software for checking 3D mesh files.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meshmixer.com\/\">Meshmixer<\/a> \u2013 free software for editing and manipulating 3D mesh files.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/\">Shapeways<\/a> offers a tutorial for <a href=\"https:\/\/support.shapeways.com\/hc\/en-us\/sections\/360004437873-Software-Tutorials\">fixing and repairing 3D models<\/a> using these services.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Common problems<\/h2>\n<p>Other things to be careful of when creating your model:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Degenerate faces: Mesh faces that have 0 area.<\/li>\n<li>Zero length edges: Edges with no length, created by degenerate faces.<\/li>\n<li>Non manifold edges: Faces that have more than one face connected to a single edge.<\/li>\n<li>Naked edges: A surface or polysurface edge that is not connected to another edge.<\/li>\n<li>Duplicate faces: Identical faces in a single mesh.<\/li>\n<li>Faces should be flipped: The faces in a mesh object should point in a consistent direction.<\/li>\n<li>Disjoint pieces: Mesh objects that do not connect but are considered a single mesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Don&#8217;t know how to fix your model? Ask Us!<\/p>\n<!-- shortcode-right-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-right-column\" >\n    <div class=\"shortcode-right-column__container\">\n<h4>Ask us!<\/h4>\n<div><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> <a href=\"tel:19285236820\">(928) 523-6820<\/a><\/div>\n<div><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a href=\"mailto:library.makerlab@nau.edu\">library.makerlab@nau.edu<\/a><\/div>\n<div><i class=\"fas fa-user\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/request-makerlab-help\/\">Request a Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<div><i class=\"fas fa-comment-alt\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/makerlab-suggestion-form\/\">Make a Suggestion<\/a><\/div>\n<div><i class=\"fa fa-question-circle\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/nau.libanswers.com\/search\/?t=0&amp;g=2848&amp;topics=MakerLab&amp;adv=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FAQ<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-button -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-button shortcode-button--left\">\n      <a class=\"main-button\" href=\"https:\/\/library.nau.edu\/services\/makerlab\/submitjob.html\">Submit a 3D Print Request<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Preparing your file for 3D printing You can scan or design an object to be printed using 3D modelling software. There are two computers in the MakerLab that can be used for 3D modeling, scanning, and editing using a number of software programs or by modifying a pre-existing design. In order to print your design, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":1511,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ring_central_script_selection":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2590","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2590"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10965,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2590\/revisions\/10965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/library-cline\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}