Shapeways offers many helpful features for designers and engineers during the 3D model upload process, including instant quotes and printability analysis. Are you ready to get started and upload a 3D file?
Uploading 3D Print Designs
- Log into your Shapeways account and select My 3D Models.
- Find the ‘choose a 3D file or drag it here’ area. Select your units, keeping in mind that your model can be re-scaled later.
- Drag and drop your file, or click and a dialogue box will appear—allowing you to select the file.
- The model page will load and proceed from there.
Acceptable 3D File Types for Uploading Your 3D Model
The most commonly used 3D printing file type is STL. Files are easily exported from almost any 3D software in this format. There are many other options too:
- Acceptable file types include: DAE, OBJ, STL, X3D, X3DB, X3DV, WRL, 3MF, STP, STEP
- Full color 3D printing file types: DAE, WRL, X3D, X3DB, X3DV, OBJ
- Textures files: GIF, JPG, PNG–upload as a ZIP folder containing the model file and textures (and MTL for OBJ)
The maximum file size for all 3D printing file types is 64MB and /or 1 million polygons.
Creating the Quality 3D Print
Extensive preparation goes into a single 3D model. For most Shapeways designers and engineers, it begins with the initial concept as they select the best 3D modeling and design tools. At the same time, it is imperative to research the best 3D printing materials and technology for the job.
Whether engaged in rapid prototyping or going straight to additive manufacturing end-use 3D printed parts, the key to uploading 3D models for success in printability means getting as educated as possible on the advanced 3D printing materials and technology available at Shapeways. As an example, a user may choose Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology for larger parts to be 3D printed in high volume. In other cases, additive manufacturing technology like Stereolithography (SLS) 3D printing may be better suited for small pieces requiring intense detail and accuracy.
Design for 3D Printing Strength in Geometry and Orientation
Although innovation is built on pushing the limits, and sometimes that does work with certain 3D models under the “Print it Anyway” (PITA) option at Shapeways, many challenges occur when 3D models fall outside the recommended specifications (found on each materials page). A typical example would be found here for a popular material like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic], with a product description and design information–including bounding box guidelines.
“Different 3D printing technologies and 3D printing materials have different guidelines,” explains Angeliki Sioliou, User Application Design Specialist at Shapeways. “Sometimes we run into problems when a model is set for a material that isn’t compatible with a more complicated type of geometry.”
This is even more true for complex geometries, like designing for jewelry, when issues or rejections may arise due to a variety of different details.
“In steel, we often see rejections for weak geometries,” said Angeliki. “Other general rejections are related to wall thickness and orientation too–that is one we see typically, all over.”
Difficulties arise when 3D models are too thin. This increases the potential of a failed build, or fragility and breakage in post-processing, shipping, or functional use.
3D printing orientation is paramount to success in printability. Responsible for how a part will rotate within a 3D printing build space, orientation should be considered for specific technology like Stereolithography with resin-based materials, or Material Jetting with full-color 3D printing materials that require support structures.
3D printing orientation also serves as the principal parameter for accuracy, reducing tolerance errors. Without proper planning at the beginning of the 3D design project, orientation issues may have to be addressed during the manufacturing stage–leading to increased build times and greater expense. For more complex parts and orientation, the Shapeways User Application team works with customers regarding special requests or concerns about compatibility with 3D printing technology and materials.
For materials like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] and Fine Detail Plastic, it is possible for customers with more advanced knowledge to set the orientation with the ‘Set 3D Printing Orientation’ too, using the following steps:
- Visit this page, and click the three vertical dots to the right of the model.
- Select ‘Open in 3D Tools.’
- On the following page, click on ‘Set 3D Printed Orientation.’
- A popup window appears, with a navigational button in the bottom left corner. Use this to set the 3D printing orientation, and cleck ‘Save Orientation’ when finished.
Explore more information and tips on designing for 3D printability here.
Popular Shapeways 3D Printing Materials & Technology
Freedom in design is key during prototyping and product development, which is why Shapeways customers choose materials like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] and technology like Selective Laser Sintering for both prototyping and functional use. SLS 3D printing offers high accuracy, along with good mechanical properties for prototypes. Offered in an array of colors for dyeing, as well as finishes–from Natural to Smooth–Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] is extremely popular because it is strong, yet flexible. This translates to stronger, thicker parts 3D printed with greater rigidity, while thinner parts result in more elasticity.
Because SLS 3D printing operates as a subcategory of powder-based technology, supports are not required–resulting in much greater latitude in 3D modeling as any worries about designing for supports are eliminated, making the prototyping process even faster. Without support structures, the potential for damaging parts after 3D printing is also removed.
Materials like Multi Jet Fusion Plastic PA12 are used in 3D printed rapid prototyping due to high strength and accuracy, and the same amount of design freedom offered through MJF with no need for support structures. Multi Jet Fusion technology is extremely well-adapted for prototyping due to precision in parts, the excellence offered in surface quality, and texture. Nylon 12 Full Color (MJF) provides 3D printed parts in robust color, offering additional benefits like superior mechanical properties, good dimensional stability, and resistance to impact–as well as chemicals like oil, grease, and more.
For prototypes and end-use 3D printed products that require finer details, designers often turn to SLA technology with materials like Accura 60, Accura Xtreme, and Accura Xtreme White 200. SLA 3D printing offers accuracy, good mechanical qualities, and smooth surface finishes which make it a popular choice for designers making 3D printed rapid prototypes or end parts that require a more realistic look.
About Shapeways
Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.