Page Comparison

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• be exported to .STL format, one model per file
  • We will not print any STLs that contain more than one model
• be less than 14"x10"x14", scaled in inches
• pass the Shapeways tests for "White Processed Versatile Plastic" (3D Tools)
  • You must provide a screenshot of the test results (contains checkmarks and render of your model) for each file
    • If you change your file in any way after you run through Shapeways, you need to run it through again
    • If your file is too large for Shapeways, use the reduce mesh command in Rhino: ReduceMesh command
  • We will not print any files without an associated screenshot
• have no naked edges
  • We will not print any files containing naked edges
• have a minimum feature thickness of 1/16". 
  • We will not print any files containing feature thickness under 1/16"
  • 1/16" is the minimum for simple and rectilinear geometries
  • More complex geometries (such as curves) should be thicker to avoid printing issues
    • Even if your model passes Shapeways with no warnings, your print may break if complex features are 1/16"

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1. Export the STL file from your 3D modeling software of choice.
2. Rhino
   1. Run your model through the naked edges test (instructions below) in Rhino and make sure there are no naked edges:
      1. Select your entire model and then go to the "Analyze" menu on the toolbar, then click on "EdgeTools," then "Show Edges." 
      2. Select "Naked Edges" and confirm that nothing gets highlighted. 
      3. If there are highlighted lines, please fix these before coming to the desk, as we will not print any files containing naked edges.

3. 3DS Max

   1. Utilize the "STL Check" Modifier to check for model watertightness. Watertightness water-tightness. Water-tightness is a property of a mesh that has no without holes or naked edges, and thus would not theoretically admit any water or fluid.

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1. Create a free account at Shapeways and click the "Upload" button to test your .STL file

   1. After uploading, go to "My Models"

      1. Click on the "..." and then "Open in 3D Tools"

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      2. Note that this can take anywhere from a few seconds to many hours to process

      3. If your file is too large for Shapeways, use the reduce mesh command in Rhino: ReduceMesh command

      4. The model must receive all green checks mark for "White Natural Versatile Plastic"

      5. The photo below shows an example of the quality check results on Shapeways–this model didn't pass all of the required tests

         

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