3D printing workflow
Take a Meshy model from generation to a file your slicer can print, for miniatures, figurines, chess pieces, custom gifts, decorations, or prototypes.
Meshy can generate print-ready models, but they need some post-processing first. A model prints well when its mesh is watertight, its walls are thick enough for your printer, and you export it in the right format. To brainstorm a custom model through a chat before you generate, use 3D Agent.
Prepare a model for printing
To prepare a model for printing, follow these steps:
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In the left sidebar, click Model.
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Generate the model in Text to 3D or Image to 3D with High Detail selected. In a Text to 3D prompt, add "solid, printable, no thin overhangs". To print from an image, use Meshy 7.1 in Image to 3D. It handles lettering and shallow relief well, which saves you modeling them by hand.
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In the left sidebar, click Print. If the panel asks you to select a model, select it in the list of your generations.
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In the viewer, check the Printability card. For details, such as whether the mesh is Watertight and how many Holes and Non-manifold edges it has, click Print Check.
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If the card shows issues, click Make Printable. The repair fixes non-manifold edges, degenerate faces, holes, and open boundaries so the mesh is watertight, and it thickens walls that are too thin. It costs 10 credits, and for a model that Meshy generated, it needs a paid plan. Repairing a textured model discards its texture, so texture it again afterward.
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Optional: In the Print panel, under Post-Processing, click Add Base to add a stable base, or Split to split the model into parts.
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In the viewer toolbar, click Download.
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In Download Settings, turn on Resize, and then enter the printed Height. The unit is cm by default, and you can switch to mm, m, in, or ft. Resize needs a paid plan.
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In Format, select STL or 3MF, and then click Download. This download has geometry only. For a color print, export from Multi-Color Print in the Print panel instead, or download split parts as 3MF.
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Open the file in your slicer, such as OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio, and slice it.
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Send the sliced file to your 3D printer.
On a Pro plan or higher, you can skip the download. In the Print panel, under Send to Printer, select your slicer to open the model in it.
Design for printability
Minimum wall thickness
The following table shows the thinnest wall each print technology can reliably print.
| Print technology | Minimum wall thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDM | 1.2 mm | Depends on nozzle diameter |
| SLA or DLP | 0.5 mm | Better for fine details |
| SLS | 0.8 mm | No support needed |
Overhangs
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FDM: Overhangs steeper than 45° need support.
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SLA: More forgiving of overhangs, but still needs support points.
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SLS: Needs no support, which gives the most design freedom.
Base and stability
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Add a base to character and figurine models.
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Make the base at least 3 mm thick.
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To get a base from the start, add "with a stable circular base" to your prompt or 3D Agent chat.
Troubleshooting
The following table lists common printing problems, their causes, and how to fix them.
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The slicer reports a non-manifold mesh | The mesh has open edges or overlapping faces | In the Printability card, click Make Printable. |
| The print breaks | The connection points are too thin | Thicken the connection areas in a DCC tool. |
| The bottom warps | The base is too thin, or the print doesn't stick to the bed | Thicken the base, and use a brim or raft when you print. |
| Details are lost | The print resolution is too low | Use a higher-precision printer, such as SLA, or scale up the model. |
| Colors look wrong | The 3MF color mapping has issues | Preview and adjust the colors in your slicer. |
Export formats for 3D printing
The following table compares the formats you can use for 3D printing.
| Format | Color | Best for | Slicer support |
|---|---|---|---|
| STL | No | FDM or SLA single-color printing | All slicers |
| 3MF | Yes, from Multi-Color Print or split parts | Color and multi-material printing | Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Bambu Studio |
| OBJ | Limited | Limited color support | Some slicers |
FAQ
- Can I 3D print models made with Meshy?
- Yes. Generate your model, check its printability, set its size, and export STL or 3MF for your slicer.
- What makes a Meshy model 3D-printable?
- A watertight mesh, adequate wall thickness, and the correct export format (STL or 3MF).
- Should I export STL or 3MF for 3D printing?
- Use STL or 3MF for single-color printing. For color printing, export 3MF from Multi-Color Print in the Print panel, or download split parts as 3MF.
- How do I fix a model that isn't watertight?
- In the Printability card in the viewer, click Make Printable. It fixes non-manifold edges, degenerate faces, and holes so the mesh is watertight.
- What wall thickness and base do figurines need?
- Keep walls thick enough for your printer and material, and add a stable base at least 3 mm thick to figurines.
Next steps
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To brainstorm custom printing ideas through a chat, see 3D Agent.
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To learn what a watertight mesh is, see Glossary.
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To open models in your slicer from Meshy, see Meshy 3D Printing Platforms Documentation.