Creating and Exporting 3D Data

Use 3D software (3DCAD, 3DCG, etc.) to create a three-dimensional shape and save it to a file in STL format. Use software that can save files in STL format.

For details on how to use the software, refer to its user's manual.

IMPORTANT Weak shapes

It is easy for the following shapes to be deformed or damaged when the job is removed from the molding pool and during the impregnation and firing processes. Note that while these shapes are not guaranteed to be deformed or damaged and other shapes are not free from the risks of deformation and damage, the shapes listed here require extreme caution and specialized handling.

  • Less than 4 mm (0.15 in.) thick
  • Blocks with a thickness exceeding 30 mm (1.19 in.)
  • Grooves with a width less than 1 mm (0.03 in.)
  • Cylinders with an outer diameter of more than 100 mm (3.93 in.) or a thickness of less than 3 mm (0.11 in.)
  • Protrusions with a height or width of less than 3 mm (0.11 in.)
  • Round holes with a diameter of less than 3 mm (0.11 in.)
Procedure
  1. Use the 3D software to create the shape to print.
    The firing process with cause overall shrinkage of approximately 1%, so make the shape approximately 1% larger than the intended size. The shrinkage factor will vary slightly due to factors such as the impregnated liquid and the firing temperature, so check the shrinkage factor after firing and fine-tune as needed.
  2. Save the file in STL format.
    IMPORTANT Data quality of 3D data (STL)
    The content of 3D data varies, and the output STL file may not be suited to creating data for additive printing. Data for additive printing is created by slicing a 3D shape at the pitch interval in the height direction. Therefore, if there is an error in the 3D shape, it may not be possible to slice the shape properly, it may not be possible to correctly create the data for additive printing, and an error may occur during data creation.
    • 3D data with just the surfaces of the shape
    • Shapes with disconnected polygons and holes
    • Nonrecognizable shapes due to invalid polygons (such as the front and back being reversed and distorted polygon shapes)

    To eliminate errors in 3D data, it is necessary to use shape restoration software or to re-edit the shape with 3D shape creation software (such as 3DCAD and 3DCG).