17: Printing a 3D Sculpture

Learning Target

• Prepare a sculpted Blender model so it is ready for 3D printing
• Export a model from Blender as an STL file
• Open Ultimaker Cura and select the correct MakerBot Sketch printer
• Import, scale, and slice a model in Cura
• Check whether supports are needed
• Save the finished sliced file in .makerbot format

Instructions

Step 1: Open Your Sculpture in Blender

Open the Blender file that contains your sculpture.

You may need to make changes to 3D print your model and you don't want to lose your original work.

Save your work with a different file name using Save As.... For example:

Sculpture_for_Printing.blend

Step 2: Prepare the Model for 3D Printing

Before exporting for printing, check that your sculpture is printer-ready.

Your model should:

• • be a single, complete and solid shape
  • sit in a reasonable position for printing
  • have a perfectly flat bottom (if possible)
  • be finished and ready to export

Your model should not:

• • have very thin parts (these won't print at all)
  • have holes or overlapping faces
  • have loose and floating parts

If needed, make small changes so the model can be successfully printed.

Step 3: Export the Model as an STL File

When your sculpture is ready:

1. 1. Select your model.
   2. Go to File > Export > STL.
   3. Choose a location where you can easily find the file later.
   4. Save the file.

Make sure the file saves as an .stl.

I usually check the "Selection Only" box for my own printing projects.
Just be sure to select the item before exporting.

Step 4: Open the Slicer

Ultimaker Cura should already be installed, but you'll want to add a shortcut to your desktop.

Download this script:

Add-Cura-Shortcut.bat

Run the script by double-clicking the file

Note: You only need a single-click if clicking on it in the Chrome download list

Start Ultimaker Cura using the new shortcut. 

Be patient. It can take some time to load.

Step 5: Setup the Slicer

If Cura asks you to log in, choose the option to skip login.

Select an Ultimaker printer. The Makerbot company was purchased by Ultimaker.

We will add a Local Printer.

Add a non-networked printer and choose the Makerbot Sketch

Click Next a bunch of times and then Finish.

Confirm that the correct printer and filament type are selected in the prepare stage:

Step 6: Import and Position the STL File

Import the STL file you exported from Blender into Cura. Your model should appear on the print bed.

Resize and rotate it so that:

• • Fits within about 25 squares of the bed
  • Sits flat on the bed
  • Is rotated so that the largest flat surface is on the bed

Do not make the model so small that thin parts become fragile.
If needed, return to Blender and make adjustments.

Step 7: Take a Screenshot of the Model on the Bed

Take a screenshot showing the model before slicing.

Step 8: Optimize the Print Settings

Change these settings for printing:

• • Set the infill pattern to Gyroid.
  • Set the infill density to 10%.
  • Set the number of walls to 3. Since each wall is 0.4mm wide, this is 1.2 mm.

Generally, the wall thickness is more important to the strength of a printed model than the infill. However, to have a very strong model you would increase the infill as well.

Step 9: Slice the Model

Click Slice.

Wait for Cura to finish slicing the model.

Move the layer preview to about the middle of the print.

Take a screenshot that clearly shows:

• • the sliced model
  • the estimated print time
  • the estimated amount of filament used

Use this image placeholder in the assignment sheet:

Step 10: Check Whether Supports Are Needed

Carefully scan through the sliced layers in Preview mode by using the slider.

Look for areas that seem to start printing in midair or areas with large overhangs that may need support underneath them.

Ask yourself:

• • Are there parts of the model that do not have enough material under them?
  • Are there sections that seem likely to sag or fail without support?

If your model needs support, turn on automatic supports.
Most sculptures with overhangs or floating parts will need supports. 

Slice the model again.

After re-slicing, take another screenshot in Preview mode at about the middle of the print.

This screenshot should show the supports clearly.

Step 11: Save the Sliced File

Save the sliced file to disk.

This file should save as a .makerbot file.

Choose a location where you can easily find it later.

Before You Submit

Make sure:

• • your printer was set to MakerBot Sketch
  • your material/nozzle was PLA 0.4mm
  • your walls were set to 3 (1.2 mm)
  • your infill was set to Gyroid, 10%

Be sure you have:

• • the screenshot of the model on the bed
  • the screenshot of the sliced model halfway through the print layers
  • the screenshot of the re-sliced model showing supports (if needed)
  • the .stl file
  • the .makerbot file

Grading