Your First Shapeways Print: Tips and Tricks for Success

Dhemerae will never forget her first Shapeways print:

 

It was 2012, and the print was a sculptural cross between origami and Platonic solids that I had already printed large-scale on my university’s ProJet 660 sandstone printer and would later evolve into my college thesis.

I was a green modeler then, with a limited skill set and ambitious ideas but lacking the polish that would come with experience. Fascinated with the fantasy of printing in metal and over the moon that I had the opportunity to give it a go via Shapeways, I thought turning my pride and joy into a necklace would be the perfect introduction. So I punched a hole through some of the thinner arms to create holes for the chain, and submitted the file for printing in Stainless Steel.

My file was rejected.

Disappointed, but still determined, I worked with Shapeways customer service and engineers to find out what went wrong. They let me know exactly why my part wouldn’t print the way I expected and gave me instructions on what I could do to make it printable in stainless steel. Even with my deep understanding of the process of 3D printing, I had no experience with printing in steel, but I studied the material guidelines and learned how to be deliberate with my tolerances, thicknesses, and sizes.

Wiser, I adjusted accordingly and resubmitted, and met rejection again, and again, and then one more time, learning more, more, and more, accepting each rejection as an opportunity to test my 3D modeling knowledge and build on it. Finally, my part was accepted, and a week later I was holding my first Shapeways baby!

Having used Shapeways for five years now, we know how important that process of frustration and iteration is for any 3D modeling and printing beginner. If you are looking to order your first Shapeways print, here’s some of what we’ve learned.

Manage Expectations

What is your vision? Why are you 3D printing this? Take the time to craft your design and purpose, and be honest with yourself as to how this idea may or may not translate into 3D. Keep in mind all your parameters. Remember that each print is wholly unique and made-to-order.

Understand the Process, Understand Your Materials

It’s a common misconception that 3D printing consists of a single technology and method of manufacturing. The dozens of different materials offered by Shapeways each use completely different processes. How are the layers built up? Will Shapeways add support material to overhanging structures? How do the materials change during printing? In post-production? This context will help you design files optimized for printing in the material you choose, and can help you understand better why Shapeways may initially reject your file. Take advantage of all the literature and images Shapeways provides for each material.

Don’t Cut Corners

Be economical, think ahead, and model with design intent. Never compromise the structural integrity of your model to get it through model check or to cut down on cost.

Iterate, Iterate, Iterate

The power of rapid prototyping lies in the ability to iterate faster. Testing is a huge part of the learning process, and it really pays off in the long run. Your pieces will always be better with refinement. Especially if you’re planning on selling 3D prints, please test them out beforehand whenever possible, and take great pictures. You want to make sure you’re selling a quality product, and potential customers would rather see images of printed parts over renders!

Afraid iterating will burn a hole in your pocket? Create small-scale test prints. Use similar but less-expensive materials. Print only a section of your piece. You’ll want to avoid going straight to final without managing your expectations and iterating smartly.

Ask Questions

The Shapeways community is a powerful one, and always welcoming. Participate in forum conversations, where incredibly knowledgeable communities of extremely generous experts speak to everything from modeling tips and tricks to the best paints for finishing certain materials. There will always be someone willing to take a look at your file or help tweak your design. With so much to learn, never be afraid to ask questions!

Try Something New

From Frosted Ultra Detail to Platinum, Shapeways has given makers access to a range of materials and 3D printing technologies that are otherwise very difficult to obtain and work with. So, take advantage of their offerings to experiment. We encourage you to challenge and surprise yourself as you train your 3D modeling and printing brain.

TheLaserGirls have a term for that thirst-quenching moment, when your Shapeways package is finally in your hands and you get to see the manifestation of many long hours in front of the computer screen come to fruition. We call it the Christmas Moment, a moment that you know is coming, but nonetheless is full of excitement and uncertainty. With 3D printing, even after hours spent designing the smallest detail, you never truly know what you are going to get until you get it — and it never gets less incredible. Here’s to all your future Christmas Moments!

Do you remember your first Shapeways print? Tell us about it in the comments!