Creating Your Own 3D Models

Loveland CreatorSpace — 3D Printing Program

Designing your own models is one of the most rewarding parts of 3D printing. This page introduces members to the tools, concepts, and best practices needed to create functional, printable designs for our Bambu Labs printers.

1. Why Create Your Own Models?

• Build custom parts that fit your exact needs

• Modify existing designs to improve strength or usability

• Prototype inventions or workshop tools

• Learn valuable CAD skills used in engineering and fabrication

2. Choosing a Design Tool

Members may use any modeling software they prefer. These are the most common options:

Beginner-Friendly Tools

• Tinkercad — Browser-based, simple, great for learning fundamentals

• Onshape — Free for public projects, parametric, excellent for mechanical parts

Intermediate / Advanced CAD

• Fusion 360 — Industry-standard parametric CAD; ideal for functional parts

• FreeCAD — Open-source alternative with strong parametric tools

• OpenSCAD — Code-based modeling for precise, programmable designs

Organic / Artistic Modeling

• Blender — Sculpting, animation, and mesh editing for artistic shapes

3. Core Concepts for Printable Models

Manifold Geometry

Your model must be a “watertight” solid with no holes or gaps.

Wall Thickness

• Minimum recommended wall thickness: 1.2 mm (3 perimeters)

• Thin walls may not slice correctly or may break easily

Overhangs & Supports

• FDM printers struggle with steep overhangs

• Aim for angles ≥ 45° when possible

• Add chamfers or fillets to reduce support needs

Orientation & Strength

• Parts are weakest along layer lines

• Orient your model so critical features print in the strongest direction

Tolerance & Fit

• For mating parts, leave 0.2–0.4 mm clearance

• Test fit with small prototypes before printing full assemblies

4. Workflow for Designing a Model

Step 1 — Define the Purpose

Know what the part must do: hold weight, snap together, fit a tool, etc.

Step 2 — Measure Accurately

Use calipers for precise measurements.

Step 3 — Sketch the Shape

Start with simple geometry: rectangles, circles, extrusions.

Step 4 — Add Features

Fillets, chamfers, holes, ribs, and mounting points.

Step 5 — Export the Model

Save as STL or 3MF for slicing.

Step 6 — Test Print & Iterate

Expect to revise your design. Prototyping is part of the process.

5. Tips for Successful Designs

• Keep shapes simple; complexity increases print time and failure risk

• Use fillets to strengthen corners

• Avoid unsupported horizontal surfaces

• Hollow large objects to save filament

• Use built-in measurement tools in your CAD software

• Save versions as you iterate

6. Learning Resources

• YouTube tutorials for Fusion 360, Onshape, and Blender

• Printables.com and MakerWorld for inspiration

• OpenSCAD documentation for parametric modeling

• CreatorSpace members who are experienced in CAD are happy to help

7. When to Ask for Assistance

Members should reach out if:

• A model won’t slice correctly

• A part needs redesign for strength or fit

• They want help learning CAD basics

• They are unsure how to orient or support a complex shape

8. Orientation Completion

Members should demonstrate:

• Ability to design a simple part

• Understanding of tolerances and wall thickness

• Exporting a model for slicing

• Willingness to iterate and improve their design