At some point in your 3d printing journey, you are going to want to know how to make 3d models for printing. While you can use someone else’s 3d models, knowing how to create your own gives you more freedom to make exactly what you want.
In order to make 3d models for printing, you need to first choose a design software, and learn to use that software. Then you will need to design your model and slice it using a slicer. Once that is done you can download your 3d model to a USB to print.
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Choosing a Design Software
Choosing the right design software to meet your needs is the first step in creating models for 3d printing. You have two options: CAD software or 3d modeling/sculpting software. CAD, or computer-aided design software, is what most use to make 3d models. CAD uses things like numbers, measurements, and dimensions to create a precise design. 3d sculpting is for designs that do not need precision. Instead, you can make unique & organic shapes, which gives you more artistic freedom. For example, you could make 3d printed action figures or something of the like.
Best CAD Programs for 3D Printing
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, in-browser CAD software that is great to “tinker” with when you are beginning to make your own 3d models. It is one of the easiest to use CAD software. Tinkercad has a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add and edit various geometrical shapes. Tinkercad does have limitations for more advanced users, but if you are just looking to get your feet wet this is a great place to start.
Fusion360
Fusion360 by Autodesk is very popular amongst 3d printing enthusiasts. There is a free trial and various payment plans to see if you like it. Unlike Tinkercad, you shouldn’t outgrow this program. Fusion360 is great for us hobbyists and has tools and features comparable to the very expensive program, Solidworks.
Shapr3D
Shapr3D has both free and paid versions you can try. It is great for beginners and experts. The free version is limited in terms of what you can do with the model once you design it (certain export capabilities). The nice thing about this program is that it has an app specifically meant for iPad. Pair that with an Apple pencil while laying on the couch watching tv, it makes designing a relaxing way to decompress after work.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric CAD software. Parametric basically means that the software uses certain ‘parameters’ to create a model. These parameters are defined by you and their properties can vary. FreeCAD is great if you want to make mechanical or functional designs because the parametric properties make for a very precise model.
Best 3D Sculpting Softwares for 3D Printing
Blender
Blender is an open-source (aka free) 3d modeling software that is quite popular in the 3d printing community. There is a lot you can do with this program, which also means it comes with a steep learning curve. To get started, check out their online community and Youtube.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer from Autodesk is a free 3d sculpting software that is also very popular in the 3d printing world. This program is more beginner-friendly and is seen as the “photoshop of 3d printing.” Like photoshop, you can put a dog’s head and stick it on a person’s body. Its simplicity to use and many capabilities make it a great program to try when just starting out.
Mudbox
Mudbox is another Autodesk product. This program is known as the big competitor to Zbrush (see below). Mudbox is $10/month or $95/annually (plus they have even more pricing options). They are a great option for those who know they really want to get into 3d design but aren’t quite sure if they want to commit to such a large price point.
Zbrush
Zbrush is considered one of the most powerful and popular digital sculpting software out there. It starts at $359/annually. Because it can do so much, it is also known for having a steep learning curve. If you are considering going with Zbrush, then it may be a good idea to try out the program below first…
Sculptris
Sculptris is made by Zbrush and kind of what you could consider Zbrush’s little bro. Sculprtis is free and it uses similar controls but is targeted at beginners.
Tips on Creating Models for 3d Printing
Open the 3d design program of your choosing and start designing. This process will probably take a while since you’re learning something brand new. Take your time, watch & read tutorials. Over time, you will get faster, and designing will become easier. Check out these tips and tricks when just starting out with 3d printing design:
Start Simple
It’s best to start out with a simple design. Learning the process of designing, printing, testing, and re-printing will be much more effective if you start simple and work your way up to more complicated designs. If needed, start out by following along with a tutorial.
Plan on your first few prints to be “test prints”
Don’t get discouraged when you’re making something and it doesn’t come out as planned. Test printing is all part of the design process until you have your settings all dialed in.
If You Need Accuracy, Get Calipers
One of the first things I printed was a gear in a paper shredder. The gear broke and my choices were to buy a brand new paper shredder, or 3d print a gear that would fit inside and replace the broken one. Given that I needed it to fit perfectly, this was when I bought my first pair of calipers.
Using calipers to measure something in the real world is very necessary if you’re making functional items. I have used them way more than I initially thought I would. Likely, the opportunity to 3d print something will present itself more than you will expect.
Best Slicing Software for 3D Printing
Slicing is basically figuring out how your 3d model is going to print. It takes your model and splits it into layers, just like your 3d printer does. Slicing gives your printer step-by-step instructions on how to print. Here, you will determine if you need things like supports, how much infill you want/need, printing speed, temperatures, layer height, and more.
Whichever slicer you decide to use, make sure that it is compatible with your printer. There are really three slicers that dominate the 3d printing world: Cura, Prusaslicer, and Simplify3d. Cura and Prusaslicer are both free, so we will talk about them the most.
Is Cura or Prusaslicer better?
Cura by Ultimaker is good for both beginners and experts. It is free to use and many people swear by it. One notable thing Cura has that PrusaSlicer does not is the option for tree supports. Tree supports significantly reduce the amount of support material needed by creating a “tree-like” structure, with the trunk (or base) being larger, and branching up and out where more support is needed.
PrusaSlicer is also great for beginners and experts alike. It is free and good for both filament & resin printing.
Ultimately, both PrusaSlicer and Cura are good slicers. Many people swear by one or the other. To choose, it may just be a matter of trying them both out. Some people compare prints using the same settings, and others just decide which user interface they like better. Regardless, you can’t really go wrong with either.
Simplify3d
Simplify3d is a paid slicer that will cost you $149. For most, one of the two options above will be enough. That being said, Simplify3d is great for anyone printing in volume, or printing complex models. It is more specific with settings, allowing you to adjust them layer by layer, and is known for its great support placement.
Conclusion – How to Make Models for 3d Printing
In order to create models to 3d print, we need to first choose a 3d design software. Once the software is chosen you can start learning how to design on the software. After that, you will need to put your 3d design in a slicer to prepare for 3d printing. Once you slice your design, you can send it to USB to print.