Creating a 3D printable figure requires digital sculpting skills and an understanding of the 3D printing process. From drawing concepts to posing and printing, here is a step-by-step guide on designing figures optimized for 3D printing.
Conceptualize First, decide on the character, creature or object you want to make. Develop concept art from various angles showing details. Keep in mind any small, fine elements that need to emerge well in the 3D model, like facial features, clothing folds, accessories etc.
Model in Clay Before going digital, physically sculpting your design in polymer or wax clay allows grasping shapes and proportions accurately. Refine forms, poses and subtle surface textures through the clay mockup before scanning or retopologising into a digital file.
Use Rigging (Armature) If designing a posable figurine, create a basic animation skeleton and rig it to the model for movable limbs and parts. Ensure joints line up seamlessly and parts can retain strength when 3D printed at different angles.
Sculpt it Digitally Use sculpting software like ZBrush or Blender to recreate your finalized concept. Focus on accurately defining musculature, clothing wrinkles and facial expressions with fine digital detail brushes. Create clean topology.
Check Wall Thickness Figure shells should maintain an optimum wall thickness to ensure print stability and save on materials. Use thickness analysis tools to visualize thin areas and modify as needed for print durability.
Add Assembly Sockets For multi-part assemblies, manually cut joints and align sockets precisely so separate sections fit together when printed. Lock pieces in via friction or glue. Design clever part breakdowns.
Set Up Printing Supports Use auto mesh analysis to determine optimal orientation and generate interior supports where needed overhangs so details don’t collapse while printing. Angled upright standing poses can avoid lots of support mess.
Prepare & Export STL File Do a final polish, decimate unnecessary polygons if needed and export a print-ready STL file. Perform test prints and refine until figure prints successfully in its entirety before sharing source file.
Follow these tips and your original 3D character or prop designs will soon turn into awesome, tangible 3D printed models ready for painting and displaying!
