tutorials

Our tutorial section

General tutorials:

• Reducing costs for overlapping meshes Learn how to remove unnecessary volume from overlapping parts, and print your models cheaper.
• Character modelersTips and tricks for character modelers.
• Fixing non-manifold models.If you've uploaded anything to Shapeways, you've undoubtably received a few 'non-manifold' or 'mixed normals' errors. This tutorial will explain what these errors mean, and how you can fix them
• Polygon count reduction with MeshLab.Learn how to automatically reduce the number of polygons in your model with the free open source tool Meshlab..
• Photoshaper video.Tips and tricks for the Photoshaper .
• Export VRML. Exporting VRML files for Shapeways.
• 3D printing minimum wallthickness how to avoid 3d printing errors that occur due to the minimum wall thickness requirements of 3d printers.
• All your upload issues explained with mini-tutorials
• Converting with AccuTrans 3d. AccuTrans3D is a shareware Windows tool that helps you convert files to X3D or Collada.
• Creating hollow objects Make economic prints by hollowing your designs.
• Design upload and 3D print Get started by designing something nice, upload it to Shapeways and get it produced by us.
• Video: Finding non-manifold areas in your models. This six-minute video shows how to find and fix non-manifold areas in your mesh.
• Resize to reprice. Your model to expensive? If you resize it the price drops really fast. Click on the link to use our calculation tool.
• Things to keep in mind when designing for 3D printing. Designing for 3D printing is not the same as for print, video or games. Here are some useful pointers to get started.
• X3D and Collada Exporters. An overview of X3D and Collada exporters for several 3D applications.
• How do i clear the Java cache? This is needed when you start up the Creator and the initial download was stopped or aborted for some reason
• Creating Christmas decoration with moving parts. Designing hinges for White, Strong & Flexible. All required files are included.

How to use your favorite 3D software with Shapeways:

• Blender using X3D. Download the latest X3D exporter script, and learn how to use it.
• Maya using Collada How to use Maya with Collada files for Shapeways
• Solidworks using STL How to use Solidworks with STL files for Shapeways
• viaCad Build a simple object in viaCAD, then convert it into STL files.

Finishing: what you can do with your model after it has arrived:

• Gluing 3D printed parts This is a tutorial based on a previous blog post showing you how to glue our White, Strong & Flexible material
• Painting 3D printed SLS This tutorial will tell you how to paint, in order to add color to the Shapeways  White, Strong & Flexible material.

Advanced tutorials: mechanical parts & designing for 3D printing

• Designing mechanical parts part I: what you need to know. Understand the limitations and material properties of 3d printing.
• Designing mechanical parts part II: the Whoosh. Learn about designing for clearance, cleaning.
• Design rules & Accuracy, part III: detailed information based on test of 3D printing accuracy.
  

Paying on Shapeways:

• Paypal tutorial. Shapeways uses Paypal as a payment provider.