Archive for April, 2011

Here is the way how i get my model compatible for ShapeWays.
Please check the FAQ and other pages on ShapeWays if you have questions that are not fit into this todo.

here is the list:

• create your 3d model
• convert all curves to meshes and apply all modifiers
• join all parts of the model together into a single mesh
• check that the model do not have any floating parts if you do not want them
• check the model for “non manifold” parts (edit mode – deselect all -> select -> non manifold) => tutorial
• * unwrap the model
• * put the texture on the same directory level as the blend file
• * set the texture to the model
• enable units under scene -> units in Blender
• set the dimensions of your model with the help of the units (eg. 12cm)
• IMPORTANT: apply the scale to the model (ctrl-a -> scale)
• export to collada (*.dae)
• open the exported model with MeshLab (free)
• save the model without any modifications as VRML (*.wrl) file
• * pack the VRML file and the texture (same directory level!) into a zip file and upload it to ShapeWays
• -or- upload only the VRML file to ShapeWays
• check your email inbox for error / success messages

* = for colored print

i hope i could help!