Design & Files
3D printing guides in the Design & Files category.
STL vs 3MF Explained
Practical comparison of STL and 3MF 3D printing file formats, when to use STEP or OBJ instead, and which file your Australian maker actually wants.
How to Prepare a File for 3D Printing
Step-by-step file prep for 3D printing — repairing meshes, choosing units, exporting STL/3MF/STEP and what makers actually want.
STEP vs STL vs OBJ Files
Differences between STEP, STL and OBJ 3D file formats, when to use each, and which to send your Australian 3D printing maker.
Designing Parts for 3D Printing
Design rules for 3D printing — wall thickness, overhangs, supports, tolerances and orientation for FDM, resin and SLS.
Where to Find 3D Models Legally
Legal sources for free and paid 3D models for printing — Printables, Thingiverse, MakerWorld, Cults3D and how licences work.
How to Upload Your Design to Printit4Me
Walkthrough of uploading your STL, STEP or 3MF design to Printit4Me, getting maker quotes and ordering your print.