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3D printing MMD models on a desktop 3D printer!

How do I 3D print MMD Models? Is it allowed to 3D print MMD Models? Are there any guidelines on 3D printing MMD Models? How do I make my own figurines using MMD models?

3D printing MMD Models on a desktop 3D printer!

Hey readers of LearnMMD! In this article I am going to talk about something different… other than how to make animations. I am going to introduce you to the world of 3D printing!

Not just 3D printing, but 3D printing MMD models!

Now I am lucky to own a 3D printer. Here is a picture of it: ( a Wanhao Duplicator 4, a printer based on the MakerBot Replicator Dual. But I have the 2nd head removed.)

I will explain the basics of how to do it. You (the reader) must find out your perfect settings and methods, since mine are not perfect. I will just give an example on how to do it.

I have wanted to write about this for a while now since 3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and affordable!

You can use the following technique to make your own figurines! Since a normal figurine costs about €120, a 3D print I estimate around €10! (Well you need to buy the printer first… Those cost anywhere from €500 to €3000)


 

Disclaimer/Keep the faith!

I like to start out by giving a disclaimer on 3D printing MMD models! Not all model authors are keen with you 3D printing their stuff! Make sure to read the readme for the rules of your model! If it says anything like: “Do not 3D print”, then DO NOT PRINT! Does you model say: “Do not edit!” Then you also can’t 3D print it since you need to edit the model! If the model doesn’t say anything about 3D printing, but allows you to edit it. Then you should be fine.

Most if not all models say: “Do not use commercially”, this means you may not sell the print!

If you keep yourself to the following terms you should be fine: (If the model allows editing and printing!)


 

Making the model

You must edit the model so it is printable. You must open it up in Blender using a plugin called pymesio. After importing, you must pose it within Blender. Make sure your pose is easy to print! There is a 3D printing plugin in Blender to help you prepare the model for fixing.

After posing, export the model as a STL.

Now you must fix the model: the model must be watertight. You can use a program called Netfabb for it. (although it is a paid program, other free alternatives exist.)

When you are done with the fixing you can start printing it.

Now printing complicated models like these is very hard and requires a high skill in 3D printing! You must have calibrated your printer perfectly!

To slice the model you can use your preferred slicer. I use Cura from Ultimaker, but you can use any slicer you like. (yes I use Cura on a MakerBot based printer. I am using a program to convert the Gcode to a format the firmware on my printer can read)

Here is a visualization of the Gcode. This is a feature in Cura that shows how the printhead is going to move: (Note to self: You are using WAY to much support! the light blue stuff around the model btw.)

I am not going in depth on what settings I use since this varies A LOT for each printer, and the operating environment!

But I want to give one quick tip to get your print to stick to the bed: I use a small layer of glue stick, that works pretty good. (Also pretty cheap, and it lasts quite a few prints!) I just let it dry and then heat the bed to my desired temperature to print. For me it works perfect but for you it may be a disaster.

Here is one of my test prints, although this one kinda failed. The support material wasn’t sufficient enough and the scale was too small. (Note to self: Use enough support to prevent it from becoming a complete mess!)

This is Fujiwara no Mokou by Montecore. Printed in ColorFabb PLA/PHA Magenta.

If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments, I will try my best to help you, although 3D printing is mostly something you have to figure out on your own!
3D printing is all about learning from your mistakes and improving. Recently a 5 hour print of mine failed at the last few layers. The top infill wasn’t correct. So I started again with more top infill! Now I know that I need at least 1.2mm on the top/bottom of the model!

Good luck and have fun with your 3D print!


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