This tutorial serves as an introduction to the the preparation of adequate STL files so as to allow Henrik in the Workshop to help you with 3D printing your design.

Files should be 1 per object, only contain closed geometry, be within the 200x200x200 mm maximum dimensions, and saved in the correct scale (in mm) intended for fabrication.

As of HT21, Rhino 6 is installed in the following: ARCPLAN, CADLAB-REMOTELAB, XW343-REMOTELAB, and XW41-REMOTELAB. (Check https://www.kth.se/en/student/studier/it/campus/computer-rooms/lista for current status.)

Timestamps:
0:00 Maximum dimensions are 200x200x200 mm
1:09 Use mm as document unit
2:56 Make sure that the object is scaled to the intended fabrication scale
3:23 Verify with a bounding box that the maximum dimensions are not surpassed
3:45 Use BooleanUnion to create a single-hull representation of the model
5:06 Make sure that the geometry is closed, whether a closed polysurface or a closed mesh
6:08 Overhangs protruding up to 50 degrees can be fabricated without vertical supports
7:16 Multiple, individual objects must be exported separately, one per file
8:06 Exporting the object as an STL file, in binary format and with default tolerance
11:35 Deliver the STL file to Henrik via email (or USB on-site) for verification and time/cost analysis
12:13 Make a booking on-site, and write down your name and telephone number
12:32 Be on-site no later than 10 A.M. on the date decided upon, if no other time has been mutually settled upon
12:46 The student pays a booking fee, as well as the material costs
13:11 Long prints are preferably run over the weekend
13:19 Payment is generally after completion of the 3D print, but cost is explicit already at booking

Shorthand for the maximum dimensions in different scales:
1:1 = 200x200x200 mm
1:5 = 100x100x100 cm
1:10 = 200x200x200 cm
1:50 = 10x10x10 m
1:100 = 20x20x20 m
1:200 = 40x40x40 m
1:400 = 80x80x80 m
1:500 = 100x100x100 m
1:800 = 160x160x160 m
1:1000 = 200x200x200 m
1:2000 = 400x400x400 m
1:5000 = 1x1x1 km

(Please note that the maximum dimensions actually take into account a non-insignificant margin as out-of-bounds, so as to be able to make a brim outside of the object before actual printing [which reduces the risk of the first layer coming loose from the printing bed] – but 200x200x200 is the maximum dimensions given by the Workshop, and as such should be adhered to. Ask Henrik if your model cannot be fabricated without utilizing this margin as well.)

Disclaimer:
This tutorial aims to increase student awareness of the versatility of the digital tools available for use within the context of the architectural education offered by KTH. As such, it might not be generally applicable, but on the other hand, if even one student is helped by it with fulfilling deliverables requirements, the purpose of this tutorial is satisfactorily achieved. There might be inaccuracies in this tutorial video – if you identify any significant one, please tell us in the comments.