CAD & 3D Printing

Creating an object for 3D printing?

• create basic shapes first (2D)

• while still in 2D: bevel edges using 

  • [Shift][Ctrl][B]

• Rather than smoothing or applying subsurface modifier, increase the number of "segments".  The larger the angle, the more segments you will need.  (from 15 to 80+)

  • Sometimes it's more efficient to add a small number of segments and then apply subdivision surface modifier (4, 4 usually does it)

• Extrude upwards to make object(s) 3D

• with just top selected, bevel again 

  • [Ctrl][B]

  • Use 15 to 25 segments on even a small edge (will appear smooth)