Effortlessly Scale Your 3D Print STL Files - Ultimate Guide for Perfect Sizing! (Patreon)

Effortlessly Scale Your 3D Print STL Files - Ultimate Guide for Perfect Sizing!

After installing 3D Max on your computer, first go to Customize - Unit Setup and set the system units to Millimeters as shown. This means 1 Unit will equal 1 Millimeter. Make sure the Metric system is set to Millimeters. Next, go to the File tab and select Import to bring in your STL files. Be sure to uncheck all the boxes on the import screen. If you don’t do this, 3D Max might process the file according to its own system, which can prevent the STL file from loading or cause long import times. Following this step preserves the original structure of the STL file. After that, import all the STL file parts that you want to resize. As a reference, I’ll use the full figure model. To adjust to my printer’s size, I’ll draw a cube based on the printer’s maximum dimensions. For example, if the printer can print within a 200 mm x 200 mm area, I’ll size the cube accordingly. Then, I select all the STL files and use the Scale command to resize them simultaneously. Once I’ve scaled the STL files to the desired size, here’s what to do next: Select the STL file, then press Alt + Q to isolate it in the scene (3Ds Max doesn’t allow exporting multiple objects in STL format at once). Go to File - Export - STL Binary to export the file. Right-click on the screen, select Unhide All to bring back all objects, and repeat for each part. This method ensures all parts are transferred accurately to the desired scale. Important Note: [For Disassembled Parts] When working with disassembled models like Nuskulart figures, dioramas, etc., I leave a 0.2 mm gap in each pin socket to ensure smooth assembly, especially for both FDM and SLA printers. For FDM users, if you reduce the model size, you should also reduce the print layer thickness accordingly. Example: For an original size of 30 cm (H), a layer height of 0.2 mm or less is recommended. If printing at 15 cm, set the layer thickness to around 0.12 mm. For a 60 cm model, increase the layer height to 0.4 mm. This recommendation only applies to disassembled parts and helps ensure easier, more accurate prints. For more designs: https://www.patreon.com/c/NuskulArt