SculptGL

"SculptGL is an (open source) digital sculpting web app." -- stephaneginier.com

Making 3D models with SculptGL

The team at BuildBee has had great fun with this free and simple 3D sculpting tool. Opening it up gives you a ball of clay to work with. Your mouse acts to shape the ball of clay into an organic model.

You can switch the tool on the right hand side to go from painting with a brush, to making creases, to smoothing out your model.

Exporting to BuildBee

Once you have your 3D model in Blender ready to print you need to export it as an STL:

• Click File > Save STL
  • Your file will save as yourMesh.stl
  • Tip: if your file menu isn't working so great, make your browser window bigger so the menu items do not overlap
• Then head to the BuildBee Plater
• Press the Add button and select your STL
  • Your file may be rotated in the wrong direction or too large for the 3D printer
  • Use the size and rotation panel to control where the object will appear on the build plate.
• When finished, press save and head on over to BuildBee for printing

Design Considerations

Note that without a flat base, your print may be difficult to stand up. Additionally, when printing - your design may require supports if the angles are too sharp. This article does a great job explaining print overhangs and how to adjust your design to avoid it.

To add a flat base, you might consider importing your STL to Tinkercad and add any finishing touches.

Tutorials

• SculptGL tutorials (Youtube)