Generated Models for 3D Printing

Printability checklist

• Manifold (watertight): no holes or open edges.
• Single solid: no internal faces or overlapping shells; use a voxel remesh to merge everything into one solid if needed.
• Wall thickness: thin details break; FDM printers generally need walls of at least ~1–2 mm and resin printers less, depending on the printer and material.
• Scale: set dimensions in millimetres.
• Flat base: cut a flat bottom for stability (Bisect in Blender), or plan supports.

Overhangs and supports

Overhangs beyond roughly 45° need supports on FDM printers. Orient the model to minimise them, or split it into parts that print well and glue together. Resin prints need careful support placement and hollowing with drain holes for larger pieces.

Detail and resolution

Generated textures do not print; only geometry does. If a model's detail is only in its texture, add geometric detail (displacement or sculpting) before printing, or paint the print afterwards.

Splitting large models

Split large prints into parts with alignment keys (pins and holes) so they fit the build plate and assemble accurately.

Test print small first

Print a scaled-down version (for example 40% size) before committing hours of printer time. It reveals weak thin parts, support problems and surface issues quickly and cheaply.

Exercise

Make a generated figurine printable: voxel remesh into one solid, set the height to 80 mm, add a flat base, check wall thickness with the 3D Print Toolbox, and slice it to estimate print time and material.

Check yourself

• What does "manifold" mean for a print?
• Why do textures not help a print?
• How should large models be split?