Splitting STL Files: How to do it in SelfCAD
3D printing allows us to turn the designed models into real objects with great accuracy. However, there are limits, especially when printing large or complex designs. A common challenge is dealing with STL files that are too big for a printer’s build space or need special adjustments.
Splitting an STL file helps solve this problem. Dividing the model into smaller parts helps you print each section separately and assemble them later. This improves the quality of the prints, reduces waste of materials, and allows multi-coloring or multi-material printing.
SelfCAD makes this process easy with its user-friendly tools and you don't need to have previous experience in 3D design to use it. To demonstrate the process, we are going to split the file below.
This does not involve use of the boolean operations. Start by selecting a Cube from the 3D Shapes and set the parameters as shown:
Once you have the cube as shown, the next step is to cut it as we want. This involve use of Cut With Plane Tool that is found in the Modify category:
This tool works by using planes that cuts the entire object. This means we will use multiple planes to get the cut we want. Start with the Bottom/Top plane and set the Plane Offset to 50 and then save the plane:
The plane cuts the cube from the center. Add the second plane, by choosing the Left/Right plane. Set the Plane Offset to 100 and rename the plane as LR100. Save the plane also:
Add the third plane by choosing the Left/Right plane. Set the Plane Offset to -100 and save the plane:
Click on the Advanced Settings and then turn on the Split Objects and also the Fill Cuts:
Tick the check mark to finalize the cuts and the cube is cut into pieces as follows:
The next step is to group the pieces and combine them. Select the two left pieces and one on the bottom center one as shown:
Click Ctrl + U (Union) to combine them together. You can also use Combine tool for this action:
Then click Inverse Select to select the other three remaining and un-selected pieces:
The following pieces are selected:
Use Union from the Stitch and Scoop to combine them together. This works the same as Union and Combine tool:
Select the Move tool and move Y by 10 and X by -10:
Click “X” to close the transformation panel. There you go, that is how you can cut the STL file successfully:
Splitting STL files efficiently ensures that your prints are optimized better, easier to assemble, and more precise in their final form. SelfCAD is a great 3D modeling and slicing software that has easy-to-use tools for splitting STL files. After preparing your STL file, you can use the in-built online slicer of SelfCAD to slice the file and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice files in SelfCAD.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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