The #3DBenchy model is provided in the STL file format which is an industry standard for 3D printing. This surface tessellation language describes and represents the surface of a computer-generated object (CAD file).
An STL file is a shrink-wrap-representation of a 3D model, covering its surface with many small triangles. The high-res STL file of #3DBenchy has exactly 225 154 triangles which cover the boat’s shape and deviate less than one thousandth of a millimeter (0.00003937 inches).
The #3DBenchy.stl file is designed and quality-controlled for 3D printing. Its topology is 100% water-tight and contains no mesh errors such as manifold areas, flipped normals, holes, etc.
STL files can be saved in ASCII or binary format. To save on disk space the #3DBenchy.stl is provided as an 11,3 MB binary file.
Import #3DBenchy.stl into your 3D-print software
After downloading the #3DBenchy.stl file you can open or import it into your 3D printer’s software. Any such software supplied with, or compatible to your 3D printer will be able to import or open the #3DBenchy.stl file.
Normally such control software contains a print preparation process, which slices or divides the 3D model into many thin horizontal layers. Each layer is turned into a two-dimensional image from a perpendicular view to the slice-direction.
The software then compiles the layer-data into a file which instructs the 3D printer to add and solidify material layer by layer in a vertical motion until the complete model is made.
3D-print settings
Every 3D-printing process can be varied to yield different results regarding printing-speed, layer height, surface smoothness, material consumption, etc. In most tests #3DBenchy has been printed according to the following generic settings for extrusion-based 3D printers (FFF).
- Scale: 1:1 (unmodified in size, from bow to stern #3DBenchy.stl measures 60.00 mm).
- Layer height: 0,2 mm
- Infill: 10%
- Print speed (extrusion): up to 50 mm/s
- Print speed (travel): up to 150 mm/s
- Print nozzle diameter: 0,4 mm
Result data
The settings above typically result in 3D print duration of roughly one hour. Stay tuned here at 3DBenchy.com for future updates regarding print profiles methods, images, videos etc.
Feel free to share your 3D-printed #3DBenchys.