Hello experts, I am very new to 3D printing and modelling. For a school project, I want to get the below model 3D printed. It is a model of the paricutin volcano. It does not have to be the full model, even if it is the main part it is fine.
Is it possible? Could someone please guide me. Thank you very much in advance.
Yes.
Some references from the old Shapeoko wiki (note that these are from a CNC context — focus on getting an STL, then you can use a slicer to get a file for your 3D printer or to send to a print service — further note that the below links may have suffered from link rot since the wiki hasn’t been updated for a long while now):
Easy (or at least straightforward) Terrain Relief Models - Gallery - Carbide 3D Community Site — see the full version at: Terrain Relief Models, Unabridged - How To - Carbide 3D Community Site
A reference text: Computational modelling of terrains | Open book
Have you tried to download the model?
What file format did it download as?
Once you have the file, load it into “Terrain2STL” web app and it should convert it into the STL file you need.
Then in your slicer app. le: CURA .
Load the .stl file and either re-size it or crop it to fit your build plate.
then follow your printer setup to print the file…
E-Z P-Z
Thanks you both for your responses. I will check out the above links.
I have downloaded the model fbx format which I managed to open in Fusion. I am very new to world of 3D, but I read Fusion would allows for export to STL. I haven’t quite figured out how to do that yet. Various other formats are also provided by the author, see image below. The model and downloads are on sketchfab (see below).
I also understand 3D prints must have a base, is that right? Could that be added to in Fusion? It is for my little daughters school project.
I don’t have a Sketchfab account so can’t download the file but be aware it looks pretty low resolution (4.2K verts). The detail presented is coming from the texture (image) being projected onto the model.
I am a big fan of tangram heightmapper for terrain mapping height maps. Did a quick render of the volcano.
Created a 3d mesh from the height map using Blender 3d.
Here is the stl of the above model:
volcano paricutin.zip (1.8 MB)
You may have to play with the height of the model.
Wow! thank you so much! This is like magic!
I’ll play around the height. Any specific tools you would recommend? Still learning these basic things, sorry!
The above zipped STL imports into Microsoft Builder 3D as expected:
Note that when opened in Orcaslicer there was a warning:
scaling to millimeters seemed to work well:
Default slicing settings seem a bit rough:
probably will want either a resin printer, a smaller nozzle, a shorter layer height or something.
As @WillAdams mentions, you 3d printer slicer is probably the easiest tool to use to change basic parameters.
I use Bambu Slicer and zero issues with the model so it will depend on which slicer you are using for troubleshooting any issues.
Blender is another free tool, but the learning curve can be fairly steep depending on what you are trying to do.
Thank you everyone! You’re all so helpful!
I don’t have a 3d printer yet but my plan was to use a paid printing service to get it printed.
I’m going to download Bambu tomorrow and give it a try.
Do you know if I can make the mouth of the volcano a little deeper with Bambu? So the little one can have some lava coming out of it
thanks heaps everyone!
Bambu slicer is made to be used with the Bambu 3D printers. This is what you want to download if you want to play with this slicer.
Since you are using a paid service to print the model, Bambu can be used to make minor changes to the model but if you were going to print it yourself then it is only usable by Bambu printers.
Another slicer option is CURA, which has native height map support so you can drag and drop a height map and get a model from it. You can then save the STL from it. I don’t use it for printing but a quick way to get an STL from a height map.
Dragged and dropped into the software and then presented a few options for dimensions. White is top black is bottom in my height maps.
By changing basic parameters I meant things like changing the length, width and height of a model plus a few more minor things. If you want to make more advanced changes you would be better to go back into your design software. Fusion could do it but since this is an organic shape there are better programs for that like Blender. (again steep learning curve but worth it if you are getting into making your own 3d models).
Added a caldera to the volcano.
volcano paricutin v002.zip (1.8 MB)
Good luck and hopefully welcome to the hobby.
Kiri:Moto also has height map support and can write out STLs. It runs in your browser so you don’t have to install anything.
Thank you Oscar! I am really curious how you added a caldera to the volcano? I was trying to use the modifier/negative part in Orca but did not get very far.
I think I’ll go with the version you attached with the caldera. I want to scale it to about 30cm width. Will it turn out ok when printed? I was thinking of going with 0.4 layer height. Still learning the settings.
Also one more question: If it will print at 30cm I will need to cut the model into parts and add connectors. I also need to save each part into separate STL if I want to use the printing service at the library (its cost effective, they have dimeonsion and size restriction). I achieved that with Orca, but the connectors disappeared in the new STL file. The method I used was right click and export. Is there a better method or tool I should use?
Thanks - will try this one too!
Sorry, I am not any where near a power user for 3d slicer programs. I normally just hit the print button and go (with a 2 or three parameters I may change occasionally) with these programs.
I do all my design work in one of my 3d modeling programs.
There is no one perfect way to slice up a model. It is whatever works for you or what the 3d printers can handle.
Here is one option.
I modified the model to be 8 inches deep by 12 inches long and about 4.5" tall and then sliced it at the 7 inch mark leaving 5 inches on the other side. I made loose tenons (.99 the size of the hole so will hopefully fit) to connect the parts together. You can use glue to make it permanent. So overall 2 parts for the volcano and 2 connectors to print.
volcano parts.zip (1.3 MB)
Hopefully some of the more knowledgeable folks on slicers will add to the discussion.
All the derivatives of PrusaSlicer (like BambuSlicer and OrcaSlicer) support cutting apart a model including adding alignment features.
