# I need to Split a Model for 3D printing

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [May 4, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693 "2024-05-04T15:52:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/1 "2024-05-04T15:52:08Z")

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Hi All, Thank you in advance for your help.

First, I am not new to 3D modeling, but I began learning Shapr3D a couple of weeks ago so there might be a tutorial out there that discusses this.

The complication on this particular project is splitting a body or model made entirely of compound curves.

I would like to split the model for 3D printing so I can assemble it Lego block style. In other words with alignment pins.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/1/2/12315b5a21d396fead93eaa3d855cbb0628f62e8.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 3:56pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/2 "2024-05-04T15:56:22Z")

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Welcome to the forum.  
Create a **Construction Plane** and place it where you want to split the part.  
Then use the **Split Body** tool.

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**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:14pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/3 "2024-05-04T16:14:57Z")

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Ok, Thanks,

But I will still need alignment for assembly.

I’m thinking pins, or perhaps some sort of compound plane. I’m not sure how to handle that in Shapr3D.

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:16pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/4 "2024-05-04T16:16:42Z")

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I 3D print parts all the time where I need to split them beforehand.  
I can help you out. Where do you intend to do the split?

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**Author:** ![Bob3DPO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7993a0/32.png) [@Bob3DPO](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Bob3DPO)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/5 "2024-05-04T16:24:52Z")

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Hi @johnmasonsmith

Another possibility would be to use Prusa Slicer (free). There you can split your body and add alignment pins (various types) that will automatically create the alignment holes.

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**Author:** ![APDesignMachine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e495f1/32.png) [@APDesignMachine](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/APDesignMachine)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/6 "2024-05-04T16:27:08Z")

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Looks like quite a complicated model for 3d printing but entirely doable. If I may offer some suggestions…

I would divide this into 7 separate parts by doing the following.

-Split the body using the center “Hub” circumference as one part.  
-Then split the “Fin” into 2 parts so that there’s a flat surface for printing on to eliminate the need for supports.  
-You can then add pins or offsets to create profiles that align the parts where they would intersect.

Edit: Since the fins are all the same you only need to modify one of them and print the parts 3 times. Then use the circular pattern tool on the hub for the alignment feature.

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**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/7 "2024-05-04T16:30:23Z")

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Thanks Mike,

The screen shot above is somewhat representative of what I want to create. I would like to split the hub into 13 parts. A central hub and each of the 3 blades divided into 4 parts. The blades will be split down the length and across.

Alignment is important because of rotation.

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/8 "2024-05-04T16:38:48Z")

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Not sure how large the part is, but if its of a reasonable size I would print it a couple of ways.  
I assume you are FDM printing as opposed to resin printing.  
First, I would do a test print with the part positioned upside down and use supports. To maintain stability use a brim. Then evaluate if the support remnants are an issue.  
The other method would be to split as you like however why not print the 3 blades whole, on one edge, again using a brim for stability. Four parts on the print bed.

Is your intended ‘Lego style’ pin assembly permanent?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/9 "2024-05-04T16:52:38Z")

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Hi Mike.  
I’ve printed the above model, (I sized it so I could) using PLA, upside down as you suggested, without adhesion, and 50% support. It printed fine and is happily rotating at about 500 rpm. The model I intend to print is a half a meter in diameter. not 200mm like the previous model.

The pins are permanent the parts super glued together.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 5:15pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/10 "2024-05-04T17:15:05Z")

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Lego type pins can work but you’ll need to fine tune the fit given 3D printed tolerances to deal with. Would you consider a simple lap joint for a positive fit and alignment? Here’s a Q&D example. Also shown how it could be printed.

 ![prop](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/0/5/0526ce7c42d6788210b2cca401994cc28c332ae1.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 5:21pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/11 "2024-05-04T17:21:03Z")

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Hi Bob, thanks for your help.

I just downloaded Prusa Slicer and haven’t discovered how to slice and pin, alignment hole a model.

Do I just load up a full-size model and have it cut down to size?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/12 "2024-05-04T17:29:23Z")

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Wow Mike thanks!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![APDesignMachine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e495f1/32.png) [@APDesignMachine](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/APDesignMachine)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/13 "2024-05-04T17:50:40Z")

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> [@johnmasonsmith](#):
>
> I just downloaded Prusa Slicer and haven’t discovered how to slice and pin, alignment hole a model.

It can be done in Prusaslicer, but it’s much harder to control. Much easier and repeatable in Shapr. If you can share the model I can modify it how I’d do it. I’m sure @TigerMike and maybe others would probably also give it a go so you have options, or at least examples.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/14 "2024-05-04T17:54:22Z")

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HI AP,

Ok, Give me a few hours to complete the new model. And I’ll post here. It’s only a blade right now.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/15 "2024-05-04T19:32:02Z")

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Ok here goes

https://collaborate.shapr3d.com/v/HLGztId5dvvOP9tPKw3J0

This is a volumetric wind turbine of my own design. It can capture wind from any direction. some directions work better than others.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Bob3DPO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7993a0/32.png) [@Bob3DPO](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Bob3DPO)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 8:06pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/16 "2024-05-04T20:06:37Z")

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This can get you started [https://help.prusa3d.com/article/cut-tool\_1779](https://help.prusa3d.com/article/cut-tool_1779)  
As Alex and Mike have suggested, you might be better off in Shapr3D. In S3D, you can split a body with a face, so if you select, for instance, the cylindrical hub, you can use that as a splitting surface.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![APDesignMachine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e495f1/32.png) [@APDesignMachine](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/APDesignMachine)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/17 "2024-05-04T20:30:10Z")

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> [@Bob3DPO](#):
>
> In S3D, you can split a body with a face, so if you select, for instance, the cylindrical hub, you can use that as a splitting surface.

Piggybacking off this, it’s also easy to selectively align things. ie, using a 3 point plane for instance can get you on the edge of the fillet, then you can move and rotate that plane into the final position dimensionally. Overall much more control. In Prusaslicer it’s very difficult to align the splitting plane accurately and can only be done in a plane, not on a round surface as mentioned above.

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**Author:** ![johnmasonsmith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@johnmasonsmith](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/johnmasonsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/18 "2024-05-04T23:18:15Z")

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Thanks I’ll check it out!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2024, 11:48pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/19 "2024-05-04T23:48:17Z")

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Bob, thanks for sharing the link. I have 3 Prusa printers and Prusaslicer is top notch. The only unique features I’ve used so far is adaptive layers and ‘painting’ areas for localized supports. Thanks for the tip!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Bob3DPO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7993a0/32.png) [@Bob3DPO](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Bob3DPO)\
**Post date:** [May 5, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/i-need-to-split-a-model-for-3d-printing/31693/20 "2024-05-05T01:34:09Z")

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Hey Mike, a couple others you might want to look into… Prusa Connect. It integrates with PS and their newer printers. Instead of exporting your gcode, you can wirelessly send it directly to your printer’s queue, putting the code on the printer ready to go. No more “usb-sneaker lan!” 😉 Another is putting text or svg files on your prints. Easy to wrap on weird shapes so you can emboss along a contour.  
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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