47 replies to this topic

[Designer]

Hi,

 

I think they are talking about how thick to slice meat on the delli counter before printing the label. I could be wrong so open to any other suggestions.

 

Paddy

[stuart bowes]

something like that lol 

 

the STL is a solid model that you output from your favourite CAD software (I use solidworks)

 

that doesnt have any info built in about layers or thickness of edges etc, it's just a solid lump (the coordinates for all the external corners and edges)

 

you load that into your 3d printer software (craftprint is the one I have) choose which way up to print it, choose how thick the bottom / top / walls are, choose the density of the 'fill' inside (usually like a sort of honeycomb design) and whatever scaffolding./ supports it might need (I always prefer to print in parts, if that's the case)

 

then you save that as a file which the 3d printer can use (by USB cable from the PC, or with a USB stick hole in the front of the machine)

 

if you imagine it now printing in layers from the bottom upwards, what you end up with is a sort of 'grain' (the layers) very much like timber.  and you want to have that grain lined up in the right direction for strength, exactly the same as wood.

 

so sometimes I slice into parts, print seperately, and bolt / glue together just because of layer/grain direction

Edited by stuart bowes, 09 July 2026 - 12:23 PM.

[Designer]

Hi,

 

Thanks Stuart I can honestly say with both my hands on my heart I am none the wiser and totally confused.

           

 

Paddy