You have started building an object for 3D printing. You were introduced to the 3D Print Toolbox and the Mesh Analysis panel. You learned how to make objects watertight and manifold and fix any problems with the polygons. Now, it's time to complete the object by making it strong and light using the Solidify modifier and cleaning up the model. You will also learn about doing precision modeling, dealing with overhangs, and finally you will learn how to export the completed file.
We'll be covering the following topics in this chapter:
- Optimizing wall thickness
- Making an object hollow using the Solidify command
- Precision modeling—fitting two objects together
- Dealing with overhangs and support
- Exporting to STL and X3D
Objects made with 3D printing are all subject to gravity. Failure to take this into consideration will result in objects that break or droop. We already worked a little with that in remodeling the sword, but it's time to take a more in-depth look.
The first thing to do is to find out the minimum wall thickness specifications for the material you will be printing in. You can find this information on the Web. It differs for each material. For the dragon, which will be printed in gypsum/sandstone, the minimum thickness is 2 mm for a supported wall and 3 mm for a freestanding wall.