3D printing workflow

Create a Model, Then Prepare It to Print

Start a figurine, miniature or decorative object from an idea or reference image. Inspect and repair the mesh, choose physical dimensions, then prepare it in your slicer. Generated models are not automatically print-ready.

Create a model Inspect the creation example

AI generation shows its cost before you start. Mesh inspection and export use no app tokens. A mesh editor and slicer may be needed outside Crateyard.

Design for a physical object

  • Prefer a clear silhouette, a stable base and substantial features. Thin fingers, swords, horns and floating details can break or fail to print.
  • Image textures do not become physical relief on a single-colour print. Check the actual surface geometry, not only the rendered texture.
  • For fitted parts, mechanical dimensions or interlocking tiles, use CAD or precise mesh editing. Image generation does not guarantee tolerances.
  • Use models and references you have permission to print and distribute.

From idea to a sliced print

  1. Create or upload a reference. In Asset Studio, upload an image or generate one from text. Keep one subject fully in frame. Extra reference views are optional. Reference-image workflow.
  2. Generate and inspect the model. Select the reference and choose Create 3D model after reviewing its token cost. Rotate the result and check the base, underside, disconnected pieces and thin features. A good-looking preview is not proof of a solid mesh.
  3. Prepare the geometry. Use Mesh Editor for inspection, scale and supported cleanup. In Blender or another mesh editor, check for holes, non-manifold edges, intersecting shells and reversed normals, then make a watertight solid. Crateyard does not guarantee automatic print repair.
  4. Choose a slicer-compatible file. Download GLB for Blender, or export OBJ from Mesh Editor and unzip it. Crateyard does not currently export STL. If your slicer needs STL or 3MF, convert the inspected mesh with a tool that supports that format. Do not assume your slicer imports GLB.
  5. Set physical size and printer settings. Confirm dimensions in millimetres in your slicer; a file's scale or missing unit information can produce the wrong size. Select your printer, material, nozzle/layer settings or resin profile. Check minimum feature and wall thickness for that process.
  6. Orient, support and preview every layer. Check overhangs, floating islands, unsupported sections and adhesion. Add supports for the chosen process. Hollowing resin prints requires appropriate wall thickness and drainage, not just an empty interior. Slice for your specific printer and perform a small test print before committing to a large job.

Before sending it to the printer

  • The mesh is a valid solid, with no unintended holes or isolated geometry.
  • Dimensions and feature thickness are appropriate for your printer and material.
  • The layer preview contains the intended shape, including details that were previously only textures.
  • Orientation, supports, build-plate placement and the printer profile are checked.
  • Resin handling, ventilation and post-processing follow the material and printer manufacturer's safety instructions.

FDM and resin have different preparation requirements. Neither remeshing nor exporting a file alone makes an object safe or printable.

Common blockers

My slicer cannot open the GLB

Use the exported OBJ if your slicer supports it, or import the GLB into Blender and export a supported print format. Check scale after conversion. Blender import and export documentation.

The slicer reports a broken mesh or parts disappear

Inspect and repair holes, non-manifold geometry, normals and intersecting or disconnected shells in a mesh editor. Recheck the sliced layers after repair. Increasing polygon count does not solve a non-solid mesh.

It looks detailed on screen but prints smooth or fragile

Texture colour is not geometry. Add physical relief where needed, thicken small features and set a realistic print size. Preview layers to see which details survive the selected nozzle or resin resolution.

Follow the model creation guide

Plans, token packs and trial eligibility. Rigging is not needed for static prints.