model for 3D printing

Jason Kennedy takes you through the practical modelling considerations for 3D printing a ring to exact dimensions

How to create a detailed ring model to exact 3D printing dimensions

The first time you hold in your hand a 3D print of one of your favourite models is a truly memorable moment. It can also be frustrating when the 3D print doesn’t turn out as expected. It seems there are as many design considerations when preparing a model for 3D printing as there are 3D printers.

In my role as a managing director and 3D printing technician for K Amani Fine Jeweller, I have learned that there are a number of practical design considerations to be employed during the modelling process to ensure more reliable printing results.

Ultimately, the prints that we create are destined for lost wax casting to create jewellery, so the prints have to be of the best resolution and the highest quality possible. The design tips and workflows I outline here are equally well suited for most, if not all, 3D printers.

For this tutorial I’m using a concept by Sanjana Baijnath, a professional illustrator and colleague at Auckland University of Technology. I gave her some basic information of how a dragon’s head should fit on top of the ring and blend into the sides of the band.

Over the next few pages I will walk you through the process of creating a base ring using Nurbs in Maya, sculpting a dragon head for the ring in ZBrush, and exporting the ring for 3D printing. For all the assets you need go to www.3dworldmag.com/vault