Learn 3D printing with Blender in our post series. In this article, we will explain how to split an object to make prints larger than your build plate.
If you want to make prints larger than your build plate, you’ll need to split and trim your models or STL files for 3D printing. Instead of scaling down your project, you can divide it into independent portions that can be put together afterward.
Rather than being limited by this limitation, people discovered that they could split models into smaller portions that could be glued back together. This splitting action can be done with design software or directly within our slicers, albeit requiring some expertise.
It’s analogous to splitting a model into two sections: the primary model and the base or stand of the model, but for various parts of the model.
People usually sand the prints down after splitting and printing the model, then super glue them together to create a strong bond that won’t fall apart.
Splitting a model and adjusting its orientation can help you fit a huge model on your build plate by maximizing the available space.
In some cases, especially when it comes to figurines, intricate figures, and miniatures, designers will give STL files with the model already broken up.
These models are not only well-split, but they also contain joints that fit together like a socket, allowing you to glue them together quickly. You may even take STL files, tweak them, and create your joints with practice and experience.
3D Printing with Blender
Separate/Split a mesh using the ‘P’ key in Blender
- Using the ‘P’ key in Blender, you may separate or split a mesh.
- This is one of the most common approaches taken while separating meshes. The following is a list of steps that detail how to go about doing it:
- Select the object you want to split while in the Object Mode.
- Enter edit mode (press ↹ Tab) key
- Choose which of the mesh’s faces you want to extract from the whole.
- To create a new object out of the selection, press the “P” key followed by “Selection.”
- There will be a pop-up with the following available choices:
Selection: the selection will be converted into a new object.
By Material: This option divides the piece into two objects.
By Loose Parts: Divides the mesh into its unconnected sections.
- In this particular illustration, we are going to go with Selection.
The selected region has been cut off from the rest of the mesh and made into its distinct object.
You can now switch back to Object Mode by pressing the “TAB” key, at which point you can navigate the two independent components.
