3D Printing in AutoCAD: From Drawing File to Model
Posted August 22, 2013 by Jesse Evans, Synergis Civil Solutions Engineer:
By now you may have heard about 3D printing. The rumors, the stories – astronauts are printing tools in space. Well, it is not a myth. I have seen these crazy machines with my own eyes. But how do they work? Is it difficult? What do I need? The first piece you need is a current version of AutoCAD. Second, you need the knowledge of 3D modeling. Synergis can help you in both these areas with the needed software and training.
Once you have the model created, 3D printing is a simple process of ordering a part online or purchasing a 3D printer. And here are the final steps to complete the process.
Prepare Your Drawing
Only 3D solids and watertight* meshes are 3D printable. Before you print your model, it may be necessary make adjustments to the model. First, shell and wall thickness must meet the minimum requirements.
Models with a thin shell or walls may:
- Break when printed or shipped
- Print with errors
- Be impossible to print
- Be vulnerable to breaking
*Watertight – A closed 3D solid or mesh that has no gaps.
**Please check with the service provider for a detailed list of shell and wall requirements
Structural Problems
Models with a large mass connected to a thin stem may:
- Break when printed or shipped
- Print with errors
- Be vulnerable to breaking
Moving Parts 
Before you print your model, be sure that there is enough clearance between moving parts such as the following:
- Gears
- Cogs
- Links in a chain
If you do not, your prototype may be a solid, non-moving object.
Setting the
AutoCAD Environment
1. Select the Workspace to “3D Modeling”
2. Select the Output Tab and click “Send to 3D Print Service”
3. Select “Continue”. Then in the drawing area, select the 3D solid or watertight mesh.
Select the 3D Solids and Watertight Meshes
Once the object is selected, modify the scale if needed and click “OK”.
Next Export the .stl File
You must save it as an STL file. A .STL is a Lithograph file type and is used by the service providers. Provide a saving location and define the Object Name, click “Save.”
Select a Service Provider
- Select a service provider from the Autodesk Website
- Select the material: Thermoplastics or Photopolymers
- Finalize the purchasing and ordering information
- Receive the model by mail
Final Thoughts and Things to Remember
You can only print 3D solids and watertight meshes.
You cannot print: surfaces, 2D Geometry, text, colors or materials.
Here’s some additional references to help you:
Hope this helps!
Other posts by Jesse Evans:
Autodesk InfraWorks – Create the Future Today
Civil 3D Survey – Knowing its History May Help Your Future
BIM – It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Jesse specializes in Infrastructure (Civil/GIS) as a Synergis Solutions Engineer, and brings a spectrum of industry experience with him to Synergis. He has his associate’s degree in Architectural Design, a certification in AutoCAD Release 14 (R14), and is also a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). First introduced to Autodesk products in 1997, he became State certified and began using R14 in the manufacturing industry to design parts for Boeing airplanes. After returning to school and obtaining his Associates Degree in Architectural Design, Jesse was employed by a consulting engineering firm as a Technical Civil Engineering Designer. As a Civil Designer, he developed skills in Civil 3D, Land Desktop Development (LDT), Map 3D, Raster Design, and Survey. He has worked on many different levels of land development and survey projects, from hospitals to highways, rivers to residential, schools to subdivisions. With over 10 years of experience using Autodesk Products, Jesse considers learning the best way to build confidence and a brighter future. He firmly believes that understanding the Autodesk solutions can help anybody produce faster, have greater precision, and be more valuable on the market.
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Hi
Do you do 3d printing using PLA material?
If yes, I have a product and I need to print it out. The
File type that I have is in DWG.
If you can make it possible please contact with me.
Looking forward to hear from you.
My Regards
Yahya
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Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
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I need to print from autocad directly to a 3d print without using any external printing service…..how can I do this?
So 3D printing, unless the purchased 3D printer has a driver that connects to AutoCAD you CANNOT directly print from AutoCAD.
The typical workflow is to Export the Model from AutoCAD as a .STL file.
Once you have a .STL file, the purchased 3D printer will accepted that file.
So you need to use the software that comes with the Print along with the Export command from AutoCAD.
Hope this helps!
I am a 3 year mechanical engg student .I want to do a project involving 3d printing .suggest me possible solutions..
very good
it’s just an amazing article and I have gone through your article.
Thanks Jesse Evans for posting such a wonderful article.Keep posting.
Glad you enjoyed it! If there are any specific topics you want to know more about, let us know.
you can use 3dbutton plugins for fast model checking, repairing if needed and choosing the materials. Available for all CAD products. and completely free of charge. You can check it here 3d-button.com