30
6.2. Creating your own models
To create a 3D model, you need a
dedicated program
- a 3D editor. There are a number of
various 3D programs and your choice will usually depend on what type of model you wish to
create.
The
easiest place to start
is TinkerCad (
) - it’s an online editor that runs in
your browser’s window, so no installation is required. It’s free, easy to navigate, and you will find
plenty of tutorials online. However, TinkerCad is mostly focused on
creating less-detailed and
larger (e.g. mechanical) parts,
often ideal for FFF/FDM printing. Another popular tool is
Autodesk Fusion 360
(
www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360
website provides a quick guide along with detailed video tutorials so it is an ideal choice both for
beginning enthusiasts and professionals.
To fully utilize the precision of the SL1, you should focus on programs such as Blender, Zbrush,
Maya, SculptGL, MakeHuman, SketchUp, Clara.io, Moment of Inspiration or 3D Studio Max.
These applications are better for creating organic shapes (such as characters or character
parts), but only a few of them are free.
6.3. What are SL1S files?
Before you can 3D print a downloaded or created model, you need to convert it into an SL1S file
first. This is typically done by a process called “slicing”, which requires a special software -
PrusaSlicer
.
Essentially, the slicer takes a 3D model and cuts it into thin layers. Each layer is saved as a
separate PNG file. These files, along with a configuration INI file, are stored in a compressed ZIP
file, which is automatically renamed to SL1S. If you rename SL1S back to ZIP, you can inspect the
content of the file.