Have you ever wanted to 3D print a large model (comme un robot de 60 cm de haut) ou complexe (comme un avion détaillé avec des pièces mobiles) mais j'ai heurté un mur? Les imprimantes 3D standard ont des limites de taille, et les modèles complexes nécessitent souvent des tonnes de matériel de support, ce qui entraîne des échecs d'impression ou un gaspillage d'argent.. 3D impression de modèles divisés solves these problems by dividing big or intricate designs into smaller, printable parts. This guide breaks down how split models work, their key benefits, and step-by-step tips to use them, helping you turn ambitious ideas into successful prints.
1. What Are 3D Printing Split Models?
À la base, a 3D printing split model is a design divided into multiple smaller sections that can be printed separately and then assembled. Think of it like building a puzzle: each piece is easy to handle on its own, but together they form a complete, larger picture.
Par exemple, if you want to print a 1m long dinosaur model but your printer’s build plate is only 30cm x 30cm, you can split the dinosaur into 4 parties (head, torso, legs, tail). Each part fits on the build plate, and after printing, you glue or snap them together to make the full model.
2. Core Benefits of 3D Printing Split Models
Split models aren’t just about fitting large designs—they solve many common 3D printing headaches. The table below outlines their top advantages and how they help users:
| Avantage | How It Solves User Problems | Real-World Example |
| Fits Any Printer Size | Lets you print large models with small/medium printers (no need to buy an industrial machine). | A home user with a 22cm x 22cm build plate prints a 80cm tall lamp by splitting it into 5 parties. |
| Reduces Support Material | Complex sections (par ex., overhanging arms) can be split to minimize supports—saves cost and time. | A model of a human figurine with outstretched arms: splitting the arms off cuts support material by 40%. |
| Improves Surface Quality | Smaller parts are easier to sand, peinture, or polish—no hard-to-reach spots on large models. | A 3D printed guitar: splitting the body from the neck lets you sand the neck’s curved edges smoothly. |
| Boosts Structural Stability | Split parts can include stitching structures (par ex., tabs and slots) for stronger assembly. | A 3D printed storage box: splitting the lid from the base with interlocking tabs makes the box sturdier than a one-piece print. |
| Enables Personalized Customization | Print different parts with different colors/materials for unique looks or functions. | A phone case: print the base in black PLA and the logo in red PETG for a two-tone design. |
| Optimizes Material Usage | Use strong materials (par ex., ABS) for load-bearing parts and cheap materials (par ex., PLA) for decor. | A 3D printed chair: split the seat (needs strength—use PETG) from the backrest (decor—use PLA). |
| Increases Printing Success Rate | Smaller, simpler parts are less likely to warp or fail than one big, complex model. | A user printing a 50cm tall castle: splitting it into towers/walls has a 95% success rate (contre. 40% for a one-piece print). |
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating 3D Printing Split Models
Creating a split model is easy with the right tools and steps. Follow this linear process to avoid mistakes:
3.1 Choose the Right Design Software
You need software that lets you split 3D models and add assembly features. The best options for beginners and experts are:
- Beginners: Tinkercad (gratuit, web-based) or Meshmixer (gratuit, great for splitting existing models).
- Experts: Fusion 360 (paid, for designing and splitting from scratch) or Blender (gratuit, pour complexe, modèles détaillés).
Tip for Beginners: Start with Meshmixer if you’re using a pre-made model (par ex., from Thingiverse). Its “Plane Cut” tool lets you split a model with just a few clicks.
3.2 Plan Your Split: Key Rules to Follow
Don’t split randomly—bad splits lead to weak assemblies or hard-to-print parts. Follow these rules:
- Split Along Natural Seams: Split where the model has a natural break (par ex., a doll’s neck, a car’s body/hood). This makes assembly look seamless.
- Make Parts Fit Your Printer: Each split part must be smaller than your printer’s build plate. For a 22cm x 22cm plate, keep parts under 20cm x 20cm (leave space for supports).
- Add Assembly Features: Every split needs a way to align parts. The most common are:
- Tabs and Slots: A 5mm tab on one part fits into a 5mm slot on another (strong and easy to print).
- Magnets: Embed small magnets (par ex., 6mm x 3mm) into parts for removable assembly (great for models you want to take apart).
- Vis: Add small holes (par ex., 3mm) for tiny screws to hold parts together (ideal for functional models like tool holders).
Exemple: A user splitting a 40cm tall robot:
- Split along the robot’s waist (natural seam).
- Make the top part 18cm tall (fits a 22cm plate) and the bottom part 20cm tall.
- Add 4 onglets (5mm x 10mm) on the waist of the bottom part, et 4 matching slots on the top part.
3.3 Test the Split: Avoid Assembly Surprises
Before printing all parts, test with a small sample:
- Print one split part (par ex., the robot’s leg) to check if it fits your printer.
- Print a test of the assembly feature (par ex., a tab and slot) to ensure they fit tightly (not too loose, not too tight).
- Adjust if needed: If the tab is too big, shrink it by 0.2mm; if it’s too small, enlarge it by 0.2mm.
3.4 Print and Assemble: Final Steps
Once your split is planned:
- Print Each Part: Use the right material for each part (par ex., PLA for decor, PETG for strength). Add supports only where needed (split parts need fewer supports!).
- Post-Process: Sand any rough edges on split surfaces—this makes assembly smoother.
- Assemble: Use glue (super glue for PLA/ABS, epoxy for PETG) for permanent assembly, or magnets/screws for removable parts. Let glue dry for at least 30 minutes before handling.
4. Common Problems with Split Models (and How to Fix Them)
Even with good planning, you might run into issues. Here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Common Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Parts don’t align during assembly | Tabs/slots are the wrong size or misaligned. | Measure tabs with a caliper—make them 0.1mm smaller than slots (for a tight fit). Use software to align split parts exactly. |
| Split parts are weak and break | Split too close to a thin section (par ex., a model’s arm). | Move the split to a thicker section (at least 3mm thick). Add extra material (par ex., a 2mm rib) around the split for strength. |
| Assembly looks messy | Split not along a natural seam; bords rugueux. | Re-split along a natural seam. Sand split surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper before assembly. |
5. Applications of 3D Printing Split Models
Split models are useful for almost every 3D printing project. Here are the most popular uses:
- Amateurs: Printing large collectibles (par ex., 60cm tall action figures, scale model ships).
- Educators: Creating teaching models (par ex., a split human skeleton for biology class—students can take it apart to learn bones).
- Petites entreprises: Making custom furniture (par ex., 3D printed stools split into legs/seat for easy shipping) or display stands.
- Ingénieurs: Prototyping large functional parts (par ex., a 3D printed drone frame split into arms/body for testing).
Yigu Technology’s Perspective
Chez Yigu Technologie, we see 3D impression de modèles divisés as a game-changer for making 3D printing accessible to everyone. Many users give up on big/complex ideas because of printer limits—split models fix that. Our solutions include free split model templates (par ex., split lamp, split toy car) for beginners and a “Split Check” tool that reviews your model to ensure parts fit your printer. We also offer durable, easy-to-print materials (like our Yigu PETG) that work great for split assemblies. As 3D tech grows, we’ll add AI tools to auto-split models, making the process even faster—helping users turn their biggest ideas into reality.
FAQ
1. Can I split a pre-made 3D model (par ex., from Thingiverse) or do I need to design my own?
You can split pre-made models! Use software like Meshmixer or Blender. Just download the model (généralement au format STL), import it into the software, and use the “cut” tool to split it. Always check the model’s license first (most allow modification for personal use).
2. What’s the best way to make split parts look seamless after assembly?
Sand the split surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper until they’re smooth, then use glue that matches the material (par ex., PLA glue for PLA parts). After gluing, use a small amount of filler (par ex., PLA putty) to cover any gaps, then sand again. Paint the model after assembly for a perfect finish.
3. Do split models take longer to print than one-piece models?
They take a little more time to print (you’re printing multiple parts), but they save time overall. One-piece complex models often fail (wasting hours), while split parts have a high success rate. Par exemple, a 50cm castle takes 12 hours to print as split parts (contre. 8 hours for one-piece—but the one-piece has a 40% success rate, so you might print it 3 times!).