How to Make 3D Models for Printing
Creating your own 3D model is one of the most rewarding parts of 3D printing. Whether you’re designing a prototype, a miniature, a cosplay part, or a replacement component for home use, understanding how to make 3D models for printing helps you turn ideas into real, usable objects.
Software to Create 3D Models for Printing
To create 3D models for printing, you can use beginner tools like Tinkercad and Fusion 360, or advanced software such as Blender, SolidWorks, and Rhino. These programs let you design solid, printable models and export them in formats like STL, OBJ, or 3MF.
Beginner-Friendly Tools
- Tinkercad – Browser-based and simple. Ideal for school projects and basic shapes.
- Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists) – Great balance of precision and ease. Perfect for prototypes.
Professional Tools
- Blender – Best for organic shapes such as characters, miniatures, and cosplay masks.
- SolidWorks / Rhino – For engineering-grade precision, commonly used by product designers.
If you’re planning to print figurines or miniatures, you can estimate your budget using our detailed breakdown here like how much does it cost to 3d print a figure.
How to Prepare a 3D Model for 3D Printing (Step-by-Step)
Preparing a 3D model for printing is just as important as designing it. Even a great model can fail if it isn’t optimised for the printing process. Follow these steps to make sure your file is clean, accurate, and ready for a smooth print.
1. Start with Simple Shapes
Most successful 3D models begin with basic geometric shapes such as cubes, cylinders, spheres, and cones. Using simple primitives helps you build a clean, stable structure that is easier to edit later.
For example, if you are designing a phone stand, you might start with a rectangular base, a curved or angled support and a small lip to hold the phone in place. Using basic shapes ensures everything aligns correctly when printed.
2. Make Your Model ‘Watertight’
A watertight (or manifold) model is completely closed with no holes, gaps, or intersecting faces. 3D printers can only print objects that are solid and continuous.
How to check
- Use “Mesh Repair” tools in Blender, Fusion 360, or Meshmixer
- Enable “X-Ray” or “Wireframe” mode to spot holes
- Slice the model, errors often show up in red
3. Add Proper Wall Thickness
Every printable model needs enough thickness to retain strength and hold its shape. Most consumer 3D printers in Singapore (FDM or resin) require a minimum wall thickness of 1.2mm to 2mm, depending on material.
Guideline:
- FDM printing: 1.2–2mm minimum
- Resin printing: 0.8–1.2mm minimum (because resin prints are higher resolution)
- Functional parts: 2–4mm for durability
For example, if you are printing a keychain, ensure the loop is thick enough (at least 3mm) to withstand daily use.
4. Scale Your Model Correctly
Scaling ensures your printed model matches the real-world size you intended. Even a small scaling error can cause parts not to fit or fail mechanically.
Architectural models printed in Singapore are often scaled at 1:100 for buildings, 1:200 for masterplans, 1:50 for interior layouts. This helps architects and clients visualise proportions accurately.
5. Export as STL or 3MF
After modelling, export your design in a format compatible with 3D printers and slicers. STL and 3MF are preferred because slicer-friendly, lightweight, easy to repair and universally supported by Singapore 3D printing services. Export at high resolution for curved surfaces. Low-resolution STLs may look faceted or polygonal when printed.
Not sure which printing method suits your project? Our fdm vs sla comparison explains differences in detail, including strength, surface quality, and pricing.
What File Format Should 3D Models Use for 3D printing?
The best file formats for 3D printing are STL, OBJ, and 3MF. STL is the most common for standard prints, OBJ supports colour and textures, and 3MF stores detailed metadata. These formats ensure your 3D model slices correctly and prints accurately on most 3D printers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Printing
Many beginners run into the same problems. Avoid these:
- Overly thin walls, it will breaks easily
- Sharp overhangs beyond 45°, because it needs heavy supports
- Hollow models with no escape holes, it will failed print
- Too much fine detail as it won’t show on FDM printers
For example, text smaller than 2mm thickness may disappear when printed.
If you want to understand how durable printed parts can be, explore our guide on are 3d printed parts strong for real-world strength comparisons.
For more insights into resin technologies used in Singapore, check out our guide on LCD vs DLP vs SLA in dentistry, a great overview of how each resin system works.
How to Fix 3D Models That Are Not Printable
Even well-designed models can fail during slicing or printing if the geometry isn’t clean. Non-printable models usually contain hidden issues such as open edges, thin walls, overlapping shapes, or broken surfaces. Here’s how to identify and fix these problems to ensure your file is fully print-ready.
1. Repair Non-Manifold (Open) Edges
A non-manifold edge is a common error that prevents slicing. It means part of your model is open or not properly connected. To fix it, blender, use 3D Print Toolbox to check all and make manifold.
2. Remove Overlapping or Intersecting Geometry
Overlapping meshes confuse slicers and often create random voids or weak spots. To fix it, use Boolean Union to merge parts into one solid body. Delete duplicate faces. Rebuild the shape using clean primitives. Use “Merge by Distance” (Blender) to remove duplicated vertices. For example, two cubes intersecting halfway will slice unpredictably unless you merge them into a single object.
3. Thicken Surfaces That Are Too Thin
Surfaces that are too thin will either not print or break after printing. To fix it, use Solidify modifier (Blender), Thicken in Fusion 360 or convert single surfaces into solid bodies. But single-plane surfaces (like a flat sheet) cannot be printed until thickness is added.
What Is the Easiest 3D Model to Start With?
The easiest 3D model to start with is a simple functional object made from basic shapes, such as a keychain, phone stand, cable holder, or small storage tray. These models use cubes, cylinders, and extrusions, making them beginner-friendly and fast to print.
How Long Does It Take to Make a 3D Model for Printing?
Making a 3D model for printing can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on complexity and your software skills. Simple models like hooks or holders are done in under an hour, while detailed parts or character models may require 3–10 hours.
Simple designs: 30–90 minutes
Medium-complexity parts: 2–4 hours
Detailed organic models: 6–10+ hours
Beginners using Tinkercad: Often fastest
Professionals using Fusion 360 or Blender: More precision, more time
Do You Need Engineering Skills to Make 3D Models for Printing?
No, you do not need engineering skills to make 3D models for printing. If your model requires precision, durability, or functional testing, The Monster Builder provides expert 3D modelling and printing services in Singapore. Our team can fix your files, redesign parts, or create fully engineered models for SLA or FDM printing.
Best Place in Singapore to 3D Print Your Models
If you’re looking for the best place in Singapore to 3D print your models, The Monster Builder is your trusted one-stop solution. We offer professional FDM, SLA, and SLS printing services, suitable for everything from simple prototypes to high-precision commercial parts.
Whether you need durable functional parts, ultra-smooth resin prints, or industrial-grade nylon components, our team ensures accurate results with fast turnaround times. We can also help refine or repair your 3D models before printing, ensuring your final product is strong, clean, and print-ready.
For high-quality 3D printing in Singapore, contact The Monster Builder today and let our specialists bring your ideas to life.
