Mass Portal Pharaoh XD Series User Manual page 13

PRINTING PROCESS OVERVIEW — CONTINUED
STL or OBJ files
G-code is usually generated from 3D models, that are saved in
the STL or OBJ format. Most 3D modelling software today can
export to these formats, and printable files on the Internet are
also usually found in these formats.
3D models
You can generally print 3 kinds of models:
• Printable 3D models downloaded from the Internet — either
free or commercial
• Objects, that are scanned on a 3D scanner and prepared for 3D
printing
• Your own 3D models, designed in any 3D drawing, modeling or
CAD software, that can export to a printable 3D format such as
STL or OBJ
In all cases it is important that the 3D object geometry forms a
solid, dimensional object, that would be possible to print — you
cannot print objects like infinitely thin walls for example, although
you can design such objects on the computer. Sometimes the
STL or OBJ files to be printed can be repaired with the built-in
tools or host or slicing software, and there are also software
applications just for that purpose.
Infill and perimeters of walls
You can choose whether the printed object will be hollow, filled
or partially filled when preparing the model for print with slicing
software. Some software allows for smart infill, placing it only
where necessary. Wall thickness is also set before printing.
Support
It is impossible to reasonably print material, that is "hanging in
the air" — not at least partially supported by the underlying layer.
You can generally print slopes (overhangs) about 45°, when the
underlying layer supports some of the next layer's plastic. The
bundled Simplify3D software allows to place supports manually
and to remove automatically generated supports.
TIP Test and sample
files for the bundled
material are provided
on the printers
internal memory
13