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I recently learned my local library has a free 3d printing service. The method to get something printed is kinda wonky, but hey its free. One of their restrictions is that the print size is less than 6"x6'x6". My question is is there a way I can take singular files of small sized items and build a new file with multiple items to maximize the print space? For what its worth this is a FDM printer.

Yes, you can fill a build plate with as many smaller files as you like. I would recommend finding out what printer specifically they have, then you can download the appropriate slicing software for it and have a bit of a play.

You can also take larger files and split them into parts. Stl vendors will often have done this already for the most popular printer types.

FRM is best for scenery. You can do vehicles but they usually end up looking a bit rough. See how much of a battlefield you can get printed before they start charging you for it

Keep in mind FDM printing is not great for small details, but great for terrain and such. You can indeed fill the 6x6x6 area with as much as you want, but with FDM the more on the build plate the longer it takes to print, unlike a resin printer that only depends on how high you go.

Not to be a negative nancy, but I can tell you right now whatever you are planning will probably end up a hot mess of PLA dump.

Your library service is likely more of a proof-of-concept service rather than a proper 3d printing service.

Better to just invest in cheap hobby grade 3d printer and experiment yourself. One of the universal truth in life is free is almost never worth it.

 skchsan wrote:
Not to be a negative nancy, but I can tell you right now whatever you are planning will probably end up a hot mess of PLA dump.

Your library service is likely more of a proof-of-concept service rather than a proper 3d printing service.

Better to just invest in cheap hobby grade 3d printer and experiment yourself. One of the universal truth in life is free is almost never worth it.

OMG I can see this going wrong in so many ways...It would be one thing if they just let you use the printer, its a whole other ball game to ask someone else to do it for you. Surely its an FDM printer because nobody is going to do the resin printing for free, its kind of a whole thing with toxic chemicals, curing etc. While you can get decent detail with some of the good FDM printers.....if you know what you are doing. I'm going to guess that this is a very basic FDM printer run by someone who doesn't really know and or care how to make miniatures come out detailed.....but you never know, give it a shot, just don't get your hopes up.

Save your hobby budget for a while get a good resin printer, and you will save lots of cash after you print just your full first army.

If it’s free, then it’s an opportunity out to get some free stuff, and also to help teach the user how to use it properly. Sidle in close, and then offer to run it yourself and get better quality prints

As long as you don’t go in to it expecting perfection

Thanks for the suggestions. It is a FDM printer and I have had them run a couple things for me. I am afraid the comments regarding the quality I would receive seems to be correct. I do not know if this is standard for FDM printing or if the operator is lacking in skill but the prints are on the disappointing side. I was aware lines would be a thing, I just didn't expect them to be like this.

As for buying something myself, I don't think I have the space nor do I truly have the need. This was just an opportunity to get some terrain pieces and greebles for free. But if this is the quality it doesn't seem useful.

That kind of shallow angle tends to show layers up a lot.

Its a bit blobby, but otherwise doesn't look too bad. If you need parts for high-quality centrepiece models, then FDM printing is not usually the right solution. If you need cheap and cheerful content then its fine.

If you put a dingy scabby paint job on it, the layer lines will not be that noticeable. Sponging rather than drybrushing, for isntance.

Another option is to use "filler primer" and sand it down to get a smoother outcome.

 Flinty wrote:
That kind of shallow angle tends to show layers up a lot.

Its a bit blobby, but otherwise doesn't look too bad. If you need parts for high-quality centrepiece models, then FDM printing is not usually the right solution. If you need cheap and cheerful content then its fine.

If you put a dingy scabby paint job on it, the layer lines will not be that noticeable. Sponging rather than drybrushing, for isntance.

Another option is to use "filler primer" and sand it down to get a smoother outcome.

The parts will be for random terrain pieces so being rough isn't the worst thing. My concern is the fact that there are noticeable gaps in the flat of the door. Gaps large enough to let light shine through. Yes, I could fill them, but I'd rather have pieces that were ok to start with. If this is the standard for what I assume is a simple item I am afraid to see what a more complicated piece would look like.

Gaps could be due to the calibration of the machine or due to the stl file itself, especially on very thin parts. Remember that the model is built up from lines that are squidged together.

In my experience primer of any kind will fill small gaps between lines. For slightly larger gaps filler primer will work fine.