How to get a great 3D print from Instructables!

You may have noticed here at Instructables we have been giving away a lot of 3D prints. It has been a lot of fun processing everyone's models through our printers, but it has become clear that we educate the community on how they can get the best print possible. The following steps will outline the criterion for getting the models of your dreams from Instructables.com's fleet of Objet Connex 500 printers.

Step 1: Software and Filetypes

The Objet Connex printers are able to process .stl wireframe files. Many 3D software and CAD programs have an export functionality that will allow you to turn your .dwg file or .obj file into an .stl file.

When it comes to generating models, you have many options in the 3D modeling program you choose to use. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages that are specific to the types of models you may be making.

We have sucessfully processed files from:
Autocad
3DS Max
MeshMixer
123D Sculpt and 123D Catch
Rhino
Blender
Maya
NetFabb

Comments

[emilyvanleemput]

can you print from google sketchup?

[resistanceisfutileiflessthan1ohm]

see my tutorial on exporting from sketchup to blender, once the model is in blender it can be exported as a .stl in only 3 or so clicks.

[mkahata]

hi. i have 6 object stl files on my instructables page. UnitPartsOnly6-NS2.stl contained all 6 object in one file. size is bigger than your limitation, mean i can not make 3D print ?

[bulletBird]

What if I have a few separate models that add up to 3x3x3? Can I get them all printed for one instructable?

[juanjomf]

hello. where I can buy, or get an easy and economical 3D printer?

[Siddharth Jain]

I am given one free 3-D print today.... :D :D :D
I've entered the shipping details already, but have not sent the files....

So, will I now be given the Instructables Robot or will you people wait for me send in the files..(cause I've already entered the shipping details!)????......

[bwrussell]

Nope, you have two months to send the files. They won't send anything until you tell them what to make.

[Siddharth Jain]

Yeah!..audreyobscura told me that!!!... 
But Thanks!!!... :D

[Maundy]

If I am awarded three 3x3x3 inch free 3D prints could I combine this to make one 6x6x3 inch 3D print?

[audreyobscura]

We will have to review stuff like this case-by-case.

[avatar_i]

Uh... got confused trying to read through sooo many replies and questions, so here's mine:
What if I already have an STP/STL file of something I designed on paper and had a rocket science take that an make the files for me?
I had no way [my capability] to do the math involved, amnd my computer is fair old and slow to try to run those programs.
Can I still send you the files and get a 3D model made?
Thanks!

[009agent]

Are there any 3D Printer models that are capable of printing with chocolate?

[chaitanyak]

you can print molds that you can pour molten chocolate into.

[audreyobscura]

Not at our facility.

[resistanceisfutileiflessthan1ohm]

does anyone offer 3d printing of skp(sketchup) or obj or 3ds files for no cost at all. the model would be quite detailed so as large a print as possible is best and the model is not "watertight" but i could change it if the service is unable to automatically thicken all surfaces to some reasonable volume without disrupting the shape of the model. colour might be nice but is not really important, metal would be a good material as it is hard and will not break easily. thanks.

[darman12]

I am not too good with modeling, and I do not have a good enough computer to run the appropriate software efficiently anyway (even Google Sketchup)... I am going to download something from Thingiverse, are you expecting it to be scaled or can you scale it when you receive the .stl?

[audreyobscura]

we will scale all models.

[darman12]

Thanks :)

[willq44]

my 3d model is just .2 inch out of the box in length and height but a good with i was wondering if it would be okay or if i had to fix it

[audreyobscura]

we will evaluate that once we receive your .stl file. what are you making with such a tight tolerance?

[bwrussell]

Are multiple, unconnected, pieces allowed as long as they fit in the 3x3 envelope and and the model is reasonably designed (no stacking so it's not just a solid block of support material encasing several parts).

[audreyobscura]

yep!

[bwrussell]

Follow up, albeit unrelated, when we recieve the message are we supposed to submit our shipping info right away or should we wait until the model is sent?
Thanks for your help.

[audreyobscura]

Any information you can provide to us is helpful, I would send your address information.

[Bobmonkey07]

1, I'm not too good at 3d modeling software. is there a catalog of prints to choose from, or someone to contact with an idea for a model?

2, how easy is it to paint these?

[bwrussell]

Check out Thingiverse.

[Nirzaree]

Are the prints shipped for free?

Someone say 'Yes'... Please....

[audreyobscura]

yep!

[Nirzaree]

<3 :D

[___]

How do we specify what parts of the model we want in what material?

[audreyobscura]

with very detailed email instructions.

[___]

Also are you printing in Tango Full Cure970 or 980/930?

[audreyobscura]

both! depends on the machine, and what we have in stock.

[William930]

Just curious, how detailed can the models be? are there any photos of detailed 3d prints with something to show scale?

[audreyobscura]

each layer of materials is laid down 16 microns from the previous layer of material on the print.

[papercrafter408]

does google sketchup work?

[mpilchfamily]

When can we expect to get our 3D prints from past contests? Its been over 2 months since the Make it Real Challenge ended. That was the first contest these 3D prints where offered to those who entered an instructable, it was accepted into the challenge and was featured. When can we expect to see those prints and what is the expected lead time on any print won through this offer?

[mushroom glue]

Two things; What happens regarding postage? can it be posted to the UK?
and; I've just posted an instructable. can I use this to get a print?
Thanks in advance.

[trassa787]

like android roller Yahh !

[U_eriksen]

Not to bea all negative and stuff (I think it's great that you offer free plots for people), but to me this whole 'instructable' sounds more like a poorly masked commercial for the Objet printer than an actual attempt to teach people anything. Or maybe the initial phases of starting up the next Shapeways.

Am I completely wrong here?