Print a figure in parts

Level

Intermediate

Time

45 min

Version

Shapeaway 4.0

You need

Any 3D printer

You’ll make

A bust in pegged parts on a lettered base

Files

Any sculpt of a figure or bust (the orc bust here was printed in twelve parts)

Check first

1. Open your sculpt and the Print tab. Pick your printer’s print bed.
2. Print report: if the model doesn’t fit the bed, or it’s taller than you want, set an export height now.
3. Show wall thickness and the overhang view: note where it’s thin and where it overhangs. Those are good places to cut.

Split

1. Keep separate parts as separate objects where they already are (armour, a weapon, a necklace): they print in their own colours and positions.
2. Select the body and Split into parts at a height under the chin or at the waist. Pegs go on one side, holes on the other.
3. For an arm that sticks out, split along a wire where it meets the shoulder.
4. Check each part has a flat face to sit on the bed.

Base and name plate

1. Base and label: choose Rounded, size it a little bigger than the footprint, and type a name. Choose Engraved lettering at least 6 to 7 mm tall.
2. Move the figure onto the base (O).

Export

1. Export › STL, with Each object: one STL per part, named after the objects.
2. Or, for a printer with several filaments, Export › 3MF: the paint is reduced to your filament count.

Tip

Print one pair of pegged parts first to check the fit. If they’re tight, raise the clearance and split again.

Next: Turn a 3D scan into editable clay.