3D Print File Preparation

3D printers are revolutionizing manufacturing, but not without first having properly prepared 3D models! 3D printers use specially prepared files, usually in STL format, which we can prepare for you. We can do this in a number of ways, including:
1) Use a 3D laser scanner to scan your object and build the STL file based on scan data
2) Use your line drawings, or hand sketches to construct a 3D cad model of your design and export a printable STL file
3) If you have a CAD model in a different format than STL, we can convert your file to a 3D-printable STL format. We can perform many different file conversions.

 
Other Considerations When Preparing 3D Print Files:
3D Model Repair: Frequently 3D models exported from CAD software to STL format contain open surfaces or other characteristics that make them unsuitable for 3D printing. We can repair any of these problems.
Wall thickness: If CAD models that are created for manufacturing are scaled down in size, the wall thicknesses of the model can be too thin for 3D printing. The minimum recommended wall thickness is .030″ for handling strength. We can revise your model so that it has the optimal wall thickness appropriate for the application.
Part Mating Tolerances: For parts that need to fit together, we can design your files so that they have the desired fit.
We consider all of these things and often fix files automatically when processing customer orders, for no extra charge.