Solidworks tutorial: Prepare your model for 3D printing with SolidWorks

This tutorial is for 3D printing enthusiasts who are already familiar with SolidWorks and would like to know the tricks for making a 3D printable model with SolidWorks.

Throughout this Solidworks tutorial, you will learn the best practices for modeling, correcting and exporting an object to be 3D printed. By the end of this 3D design tutorial, you’ll have mastered:

First, here’s a quick introduction to Solidworks. This is a modeling program geared toward the modeling of industrial objects, but it can be used for much more than just that. It is commonly used in the field of electrical design, product design in general, or for industrial design. 

Its function relies on the use of waves and nurbs for the base of its functions. Unlike many other programs, the design process in SolidWorks does not rely on a single function of meshing, which relies entirely on flat surfaces giving the impression of curves, instead it relies on a system of nurbs which take the average of those edges for a truly smooth surface. The tools allow Solidworks husers for a higher level of precision than other methods. Instead of polygonal modeling, SolidWorks relies on dimensional sketches which make measuring and resizing the object much more accurate. With a system based on these parameters, exporting becomes quick, easy, and surprisingly light as each individual file understands a large number of nurbs. Though this type of system can make the creation of specific and organic forms (like a face) somewhat complicated. It also limits importable files to only other wave-based files (.iges and .step most specifically).

Fortunately, it’s possible to export directly from SolidWorks in .stl with a high level of control and precision. That gives users the opportunity to model for 3D printing directly from the program, assuming a couple of rules are respected. Your 3D models can then be directly created in real life using our 3D printers. 

You do not need to be an expert or know all of the minute details of SolidWorks to understand this tutorial. However, it is important to be comfortable with the basic elements of the program as this tutorial focuses specifically on the best practices for creating a 3D printable model. Thus this tutorial does not go into the basic principles of this 3D CAD program.

For more information on beginner SolidWorks training tutorials, feel free to stop by the SolidWorks tutorials page. You will get some valuable Solidworks tips, tricks and know-how thanks to what can be found in our resource center. There are also numerous video tutorials on YouTube, which will also help you learn Solidworks 3D modeling. Getting started with this 3D modeling software is not so hard with the right Solidworks courses, no need to be a professional CAD designer to handle this user interface!

SolidWorks is a paid program designed for professionals, thus a Solidworks subscription is needed. It is possible to obtain a license through Dassault Systemes, SolidWorks creator. There are also student and educator’s edition, which can be downloaded for free if your school/university is a part of the SolidWorks education program, or, finally, it can be downloaded at a reduced price with your student ID.

Get started now thanks to our training course, and create the best Solidworks model!

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