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3D files can be extremely large, which can make uploading them to sites like SGD or sharing them with colleagues and friends challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective ways to reduce the size of your 3D model files while maintaining the right level of detail for a high-quality 3D print.
Having a large 3D file isn’t necessarily a problem—until you need to share or upload it. That’s when things get frustrating. For example, SGD has a 100 MB upload limit, so if your file is too big, you’ll need to shrink it down.
A lot of super heavy 3D files have way more detail than what you can actually see—or what a 3D printer can even handle. That’s why in this tutorial, we’ll show you how to shrink your file size without losing print quality. After all, no one wants a smaller file at the cost of a worse-looking print!
When you export a 3D model as an .STL file (the most common format for 3D printing), it’s turned into a mesh made of tiny triangles. The smaller the triangles, the smoother and more detailed your model looks—but that also means a much bigger file size. Cutting down the number of triangles makes the file smaller, but it also reduces surface smoothness. The image below shows this in action: the high-polygon model on the left has a large file size, while the low-polygon model on the right is much smaller.
Source: Materialise
When exporting an STL file in most 3D modelling programs, you’ll need to set the maximum tolerance, precision, or deviation. This basically controls how close the STL mesh stays to the original shape. Picking the right tolerance ensures your print will look smooth and not pixelated.
For the best results, we recommend a tolerance of 0.01 mm. Anything smaller is pointless since 3D printers can’t print that level of detail. But if you go larger than 0.01 mm, you might start seeing visible triangles in your final 3D print.
File size is usually an issue for programs that use NURBS modeling (which means they create models using math). These programs usually let you adjust the quality of your .STL file before exporting.
However, some 3D modeling programs don’t give you the option to set a tolerance or reduce the number of polygons. If that happens, you’ll need to take your detailed, heavy 3D file into another program to shrink it down.
Once you’ve reduced your 3D file, upload it here to get instant price quotes for over 15 high-quality materials and finishes. If your file is still over 100 MB, no worries—just zip it and send it via a file transfer service to sales@sgd3d.co.uk, and we’ll help you out!
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2 responses
I would like to visit your facility to assess how I proceed. I am likely to use a 3d print surface for a project I am creating prototypes for and am local in llandudno. I have done consultancy work at the Optic center and would like it to stay local if possible.
Hi, we typically don’t allow visitors on-site to our additive manufacturing facility. However, you can book an e-meeting here