# Hollow out head model

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [July 16, 2025, 11:09pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766 "2025-07-16T23:09:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 16, 2025, 11:09pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/1 "2025-07-16T23:09:10Z")

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I’m modifying an stl head model to serve as a test “phantom” for EEG training where students learn to attach electrodes to the appropriate places. In addition, I plan to place wires to the various sites on the scalp to connect to a signal generator place inside. I have this solid head model. It would be great if I could hollow it out somewhat to make it easier to do the internal wiring and electronics. I’ve played around creating spheres and subtracting them to hollow out the structure. Works OK, but is a bit tedious. I’d appreciate any ideas.

Thanks,  
Mark

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/1/7/17d3030513e08d3e97b868f061699b4e24dcc9c1.jpeg)

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/d/8/d8858747c6de10f8763406e5dc1305723f160cfe.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![SCALEMODEL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@SCALEMODEL](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SCALEMODEL)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/2 "2025-07-17T02:41:20Z")

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Why do you need it hollow?

In Blender you would just delete the face at the bottom and reimport it. That would make it hollow very quickly but will not have thickness is that enough?

If you need it thickened you could do that in blender as well.

But if you want to hollow it in Shapr I would slice the head multiple pieces (also in half) so you can use the outline to sketch and finally loft, kinda like this.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/2/8/28c0d27ed1e4718259b3e039cabb5505cc41bd10.jpeg)

Also you could consider buying a CAD friendly model.  
[https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/cad-friendly-young-woman-head-model-f3p1d0v1head-3d-model-1405804](https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/cad-friendly-young-woman-head-model-f3p1d0v1head-3d-model-1405804)

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**Author:** ![TheBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@TheBum](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TheBum)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 3:59am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/3 "2025-07-17T03:59:32Z")

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If all you want to do is hollow it out, use the Shell tool. Simply select the surface where the cut is, select the Shell tool, and set the shell thickness.

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**Author:** ![GroMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@GroMark](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/GroMark)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 4:49am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/4 "2025-07-17T04:49:41Z")

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That won’t work with his stl file, though

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 6:30am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/5 "2025-07-17T06:30:14Z")

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You don’t even need to buy anything. Here is a head in parasolid format.

[Generic Human Head.zip](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/uploads/short-url/vrSVjamW0FiSqbhMG8BLaa6iZ8N.zip) (4.8 MB)

So yo could easily produce something like that

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/0/6/06ecffe0d95e0d5759454a97998e5758f11a7b08.jpeg)  
 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/b/0/b0d76bbb6ad73a300be840c513ed0da0a176b832.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 8:11am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/6 "2025-07-17T08:11:33Z")

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After my mods  
[Generic Human Head.step.zip](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/uploads/short-url/1OlkhisygCVHZSooW592TqzZWgr.zip) (5.8 MB)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 1:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/7 "2025-07-17T13:24:36Z")

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Alex! You are indeed a gentleman and a scholar! 🙂

I’ve searched high and low (mainly googling and yegging) and could find anything like this. I am interested in what tools you used to hollow out the solid head. I tried splitting at the neck and using the shell tool, but Shapr3d balked. And I see what you did with adding the addition structure on the face and ears.

Here a proof of concept. Lot’s more to do, such as creating the mounting mechanism.

Thanks so much!  
Mark

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/2/c/2cc469a9bca097faedecb61f232fe9a720936268.png)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/8 "2025-07-17T13:27:22Z")

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It has to be hollow to accommodate the wiring and electronics.

Thanks for the tip about splitting into several slices. It tried it on one slice and was actually able to use the shell tool!

Thanks again,  
Mark

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/c/8/c87a8893dde3117cd65e3a1458f472cb066f6b9d.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 1:31pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/9 "2025-07-17T13:31:32Z")

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> [@msibleyj](#):
>
> I am interested in what tools you used to hollow out the solid head

I isolate problematic parts and then just used shell tool as usual.

> [@msibleyj](#):
>
> and could find anything like this.

This one I downloaded from [https://grabcad.com](https://grabcad.com)

> [@msibleyj](#):
>
> And I see what you did with adding the addition structure on the face and ears.

Too complex geometry to be shelled in Shapr3D, that’s why I had to add isolation parts.

* * *

Just a little more space

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/3/a/3adabb9c9e7dd2c900b6f781650634a8a09337df.jpeg)

[Generic Human Head.step.zip](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/uploads/short-url/kzyeQBsIWZyR8gStpntro9IqNqf.zip) (6.6 MB)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SCALEMODEL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@SCALEMODEL](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SCALEMODEL)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 2:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/10 "2025-07-17T14:07:31Z")

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So I thought ask why to hollow because there is various methods.

You could take your current model and hollow it in the Slicer.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/b/f/bfa84ad57a4b6b80d056690c20f9a2036fdfaa6b.jpeg)

In the Settings, Wall setting controls the thickness.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/7/8/781ed727d4223cef44238f9840f3ce12176cfa8f.png)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 2:14pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/11 "2025-07-17T14:14:33Z")

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> [@SCALEMODEL](#):
>
> You could take your current model and hollow it in the Slicer.

This is too easy 🤣 We’re not looking for easy ways 😂

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/12 "2025-07-17T15:06:35Z")

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This is the last one.

[Generic Human Head.step.zip](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/uploads/short-url/lvH0faYzcx1oH3cpuEhj8yzXH7G.zip) (6.7 MB)

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/7/0/70c06a393e5d6ad8c93f94abc9dc606a06ab2814.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 3:44pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/13 "2025-07-17T15:44:39Z")

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KYUN,  
What slicer are you using? I’m using Bambu Studio, and it won’t let me set the following parameters to 0:  
Top paint penetration layers  
Bottom paint penetration layers

The resulting slice has these solid elements around the front and sides roughly below the eyebrows:

Thanks for point out this function in the slicer!!!  
Mark

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/2/0/20704c96448e89582520c6f23b5012f373f6205f.png)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SCALEMODEL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@SCALEMODEL](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SCALEMODEL)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 5:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/14 "2025-07-17T17:07:12Z")

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Those 2 can be 1 its ok.

What you want to try is the Wall Loops, if its 10 it’s like creating infill and will be very thick, try starting with 1 first and increase it.

Alex file is already hollowed so you will see how it hollows when you apply 1 Wall Loop, will look like this.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/c/1/c1ff289a5a162b430028837679d9de0c1699a072.jpeg)

My example, was applied to a SOLID STL, so you can apply the setting to your original STL download and it will create wall loop of 10 with bottom opened. It’s .2mm nozzle so you are thickening it to 2mm with 10 wall loops.

So that will get into how thick do you need it? Do you need thicker or thinner than what Alex has done. Alex can provide you with Shapr file to modify the parameters but you can’t open it. 🫠

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 5:13pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/15 "2025-07-17T17:13:30Z")

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> [@SCALEMODEL](#):
>
> Alex can provide you with Shapr file to modify the parameters but you can’t open it.

Unfortunately I can’t. I use another version of Shapr3D so most usual users wont be able to open my files.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/16 "2025-07-17T20:21:55Z")

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Alex, I have the pro version. Is that not sufficient to open your Shapr files?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 8:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/17 "2025-07-17T20:24:28Z")

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I don’t seem to be able to save an editable file after slicing it to achieve the hollow effect. I need to be able to do further edits to insert panels, create access points for the wiring, and create an internal structure to allow a for a secure attachment a base.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 8:33pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/18 "2025-07-17T20:33:27Z")

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> [@msibleyj](#):
>
> Is that not sufficient to open your Shapr files?

You can try 🙂

> **[Generic Human Head.shapr](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/438fe7584670825eb7b82a4392f51a7220250717203306/685c14?t_exp=1753043586&t_lsid=81c6a984-3c09-4b6d-8ef2-96b18c59b39d&t_network=link&t_rid=Z29vZ2xlLW9hdXRoMnwxMTI4NDg5OTU3MDI1OTUyNjcyMTY=&t_s=download_link&t_ts=1752784386)**
>
> 1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SCALEMODEL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@SCALEMODEL](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SCALEMODEL)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2025, 9:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/19 "2025-07-17T21:27:51Z")

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You can export as Gcode and get 3d model out of it.

More on that here:  
[https://all3dp.com/2/g-code-converter-what-can-be-converted-to-from-g-code/](https://all3dp.com/2/g-code-converter-what-can-be-converted-to-from-g-code/)

Also Prusa Slicer can export Slided Toolpath to OBJ.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msibleyj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/msibleyj/32/29845_2.png) [@msibleyj](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/msibleyj)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2025, 1:47am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/hollow-out-head-model/38766/20 "2025-07-18T01:47:48Z")

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It looks like KYUN was right. I couldn’t open the file. It just says I need to update my software, but even after updating, it won’t open the file.

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