"I have STL files, but no printer. What do I do?" Topic

Lots of STL files out there now. I bought a few, but I have no idea what I need to do to give a file to a 3-D printing service.

I need (free) software to view the files/items. Will that let me combine items that will fit the table size?

Do I then need slicer software? If so, is it separate software?

Thanks for info or links to good how-to sites.

Many local libraries have 3d printers these days. Mine has an online submission tool where you can send in the files, then pick up the output a few days later.

PM Bashytubits. He may be able to help.

Cura: link and Slic3r slic3r.org are both free slicing software that will both show and prepare your files for printing. Both have some simple editing features. I use Cura to assemble pieces that go together. So for example instead of printing each wall of building individually, I can turn them on end and assemble all four walls and print at once. It does not save time in printing but does eliminate needing to glue things together later. Slic3r has a couple of nice features to customize files. First you can explode the piece into its component features. So if a wall has a closed door in it, you can explode it, delete the door feature then recombine it to print a wall with an open door. It also has a feature that allows you to cut the file along a plane which can be useful for eliminating unwanted feature or making a tall object printable within your space.

I have not delved into 3d modelling software yet for more advance editing so I will leave that for others.

Ran the Cid is correct about libraries. Also look into organizations in your area called Makerspaces. This is growing trend where people join the organization to share tools such as 3d printers, laser cutters, even wood working tools.

For most places you just need the ST file to submit. Printing anything from a commercial print house is going to be expensive above the size of a 1/144 Tank. You proably need to buy a printer. Th a t we ill effectively come with slicing software. Even if it's free it may be set up with defaults for your printer.

There are web portals where you can load an stl and it will give you price estimates from a number of service providers. As others have noted, anything bigger than walnut can get expensive.

Thanks, all. I will be printing items at 1/144 scale so small. I will be able to combine items into one print session.

First, I need software to see what the STL files I have look like. What free software do you recommend?

Next, do I then need separate slicing software? Or will the above software have both? Or do I just need the slicing software?

There is a library nearby with a printer. However, again, I don't know how to prepare the file to give them. Plus I understand the waiting is long and getting longer as more folks like me jump into the hobby.

Maybe just buying a 3D printer would solve all this, but I'd like to know more before I do so.

If you run a Windows 10 based computer there is/was a basic free .stl viewer included – I think there may have been a newer one as part of the periodic updates. I presume Mac users have their own software and Android too.

To see most 3D files inc~ .stl files: MeshLabs
To verify 3D Files for printing: NetFabb
TO see and view 3D files for printing: Shapeways

All are free.

You don't have to slice anything, depending on bed size and the item itself.

Whether or not you can print something depends on the bed size, minimum material thicknesses (changes by material and printer) and a whole host of other factors… a definitive answer is impossible without having the files and knowing what printer it is to be printed on and what material that printer will use.

NetFabb will show you any errors and provide some fixes – if it passes netfabb checks then it will be a valid .stl file for printing on *many* systems.

Ditto for Shapeways:
If it passes their checks then it will be good for *many* printers – Shapeways software also tests for material thicknesses and bed size for THEIR materials.
It is a very good baseline if nothing else, and it's entirely free.

An absolute no-brainer for beginners for verifying their .stl files.

Netfabb is all-but an industry standard for validation of 3d files. You will not need the (expensive) paid-for version, just the FREE basic system. It will, initially, probably, blow your mind, persevere with it. It can slice, fill, fix, scale and import/export many different types of files.

If netfabb says your file needs fixing – then it does.
It can then, auto-magically, fix a lot of stuff for you.

Tim Spakowski is the guy you need to contact. Spakot@gmail.com

I have purchased printed items from him.

Gary. I'm an old friend of AL.