How to split 3D model for printing | 3 Easiest Ways

Splitting a 3D model is a common task in 3D modeling. It allows you to break large parts into their individual parts, which can reduce the model file smaller, and then be edited or manipulated independently.

This is useful for various purposes, such as editing a specific part of the model without affecting the rest, or organizing the model into logical components.

This blog post will show you 4 popular 3D modeling software to split a 3D model: Creality Print, Ultimaker Cura, Blender, and Meshmixer.

The easiest way to split a 3D model using Creality Print

Creality Print is a slicing software that is specifically designed for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. It allows users to take a 3D model and prepare it for printing by dividing it into layers and generating the necessary instructions for the printer to follow. This software is often used by users of Creality 3D printers.

It has built-in split 3D model features. Some advantages of using Creality Print to splitting STL files:

Easy-to-use interface with intuitive controls. Support for a wide range of FDM printers and filament types. Ability to customize and optimize print settings for each model. Support for multiple extruders and dual color printing. Multiple pre-set slicing profiles for different materials and print quality levels. Built-in support for filament runout detection and automatic pause/resume. Integration with Creality Cloud for remote control and monitoring of prints. Regular updates and improvements to the software.

Step 1. Open the 3D model in Creality Print.

Step 2. Select the part of the model that you want to split.

Step 3. Click on the "Split" button in the toolbar.

Step 4. Adjust the split line as desired, using the handles on the split line.

Step 5. Click on the "Stat split" button to confirm the split.

Step 6. Repeat the above steps for any additional parts of the model that you want to split.

Step 7. Save the split model as a new file.

How to split a 3D model in cura

Cura is a free, open-source slicing software for 3D printers. It is used to prepare 3D models for printing by converting them into a series of instructions, called G-code, that the printer can understand and follow.

One of the many useful features of Cura is the ability to split a 3D model into multiple parts, which can be helpful for a variety of reasons. For example, you might want to split a model into multiple parts in order to print it on a smaller printer or to print each part in a different color.

Let's see how to split a 3D model in Cura step by step.

Step 1. Open Cura on your desktop, move to the Marketplace section, and download the “Mesh Tools” plug-in.

Step 2. Once that’s done, restart Cura. And then open the STL file which you need to split.

Step 3. After the file has loaded, right-click the model, which will bring up a menu where you’ll see “Mesh Tools” at the top.

Step 4. Hover over that option, then click “Split Model Into Parts” from the context menu that appears.

Now, you’ll see that each of the parts can be individually selected and edited.

However, split an STL file is not Cura's forte, it's a little complex. And you’d best continue reading with further ways.

How to split a 3D model in Blender

Splitting 3D models into two separate objects using Blender isn't as hard as it seems! Keep in mind-- the bisect tool only works through selected vertices, so make sure to press A if everything isn't selected in edit mode!

• To begin, open your 3D model in Blender. You can do this by going to the "File" menu and selecting "Open." Navigate to the location of your 3D model and open it.
• Once your model is open in Blender, you will need to select the part of the model that you want to split. To do this, use the select tool, which is located in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. You can select individual vertices, edges, or faces depending on the level of precision you need. To select multiple elements, hold down the shift key while clicking on the elements you want to select.
• Once you have selected the part of the model that you want to split, go to the "Edit" menu and select "Separate" from the list of options. This will create a new object from the selected part of the model. You can then edit this new object independently from the rest of the model. For example, you can move it, rotate it, or scale it without affecting the rest of the model.
• In addition to separating a part of a model into a new object, you can also use the "Separate" tool to split a model into its individual components. To do this, select the entire model and then go to the "Edit" menu and select "Separate by loose parts." This will create a new object for each component of the model.

How to split a 3D model in Meshmixer

Learn how to split a large model for 3d printing using Meshmixer. Break a large model into smaller parts so that we can print them with any size 3D printer. Let's get started.

• Open Meshmixer and import your 3D model by clicking on the "Import" button in the top left corner of the screen.
• Select the "Edit" tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen. This will allow you to edit the model by clicking and dragging on its surface.
• Use the "Lasso Select" tool to select the part of the model that you want to split off. To do this, click on the "Lasso Select" tool in the toolbar on the left, then click and drag your mouse around the part of the model that you want to select.
• Once you have selected the part of the model that you want to split off, click on the "Separate" button in the toolbar on the left. This will split the selected part of the model into a separate object.
• Use the "Transform" tool to move the newly separated object to a different location, if desired. To do this, select the "Transform" tool from the toolbar on the left, then click and drag on the object to move it to a new location.
• When you are satisfied with the split, click on the "Apply" button in the toolbar on the left to apply the changes to the model.

Conclusion

Splitting a 3D model for printing is an essential step in the 3D printing process. By dividing the model into smaller parts, it is possible to optimize the print settings and reduce the likelihood of errors or failures during the printing process.

There are several methods for splitting a 3D model, including using 3D modeling software, slicing software like Creality Print, or even physical tools such as a knife or saw.

Whichever method is used, it is important to carefully plan and execute the split in order to achieve the desired result.