Tutorial 10: Export and Slicing Workflow
You have designed a beautiful Mesh Sculptor object with a shaped profile, chosen cross-section, layered effects, and shell settings. Now it is time to bring it into the real world. In this final tutorial you will learn how to export your design as an STL file and prepare it for printing in your slicer.
What you'll learn
- How Mesh Sculptor export differs from G-code Sculptor export
- How to choose the right export quality
- The export process step by step
- How to import the STL into popular slicers
- Slicer settings recommendations for Mesh Sculptor models
- A complete pre-export checklist
Prerequisites
- A finished Mesh Sculptor design from previous tutorials.
- A slicer installed (Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or similar).
Step 1: Understand the export model
Step 1
Mesh Sculptor vs G-code Sculptor export
The G-code Sculptor exports G-code directly — it generates the toolpath that your printer follows. The Mesh Sculptor exports STL (mesh geometry) — a 3D model file that you import into a slicer. The slicer then generates the G-code.
This two-step process means:
- More flexibility — you can use any slicer with any settings
- More control — the slicer handles infill, supports, bed adhesion, etc.
- More manufacturing options — the STL works for resin printing, CNC, or other processes too
Step 2: Pre-export checklist
Before exporting, verify your design is ready:
Step 2
Run through the checklist
| Check | How to Verify |
|---|---|
| Profile shape | Orbit the 3D viewport — does the silhouette match your intent? |
| Cross-section | Z clip to mid-height — is the cross-section shape correct? |
| Effects | Toggle each effect on/off — is each one contributing positively? |
| Shell enabled | Inner wall is on — the mesh is watertight for slicing |
| Wall thickness | Z clip view shows appropriate gap between inner and outer walls |
| Bottom Cap | Orbit underneath — is the base closed? |
| No intersections | No effects pushing the outer wall through the inner wall |
| Dimensions | Total Height and diameters match your target sizes |
Step 3: Choose the export quality
Step 3
Select export quality
The export dialog lets you choose the quality for the exported mesh. This can be different from your preview quality:
| Preview Quality | Export Quality | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Draft | High | Good for most designs |
| Standard | High | Default recommendation |
| Standard | Ultra | For designs with fine effects or large print sizes |
| High | Ultra | Maximum detail for showcase pieces |
The mesh is regenerated at the chosen quality during export, so the file reflects the higher resolution even if you designed at Draft.
Step 4: Export the STL file
Step 4
Run the export
- Click the Export button in the toolbar
The exported file is a binary STL containing all effects, shell walls, and caps as a single manifold surface.
Step 5: Import into your slicer
Step 5
Open in the slicer
Open your slicer and import the STL file:
- Cura: File → Open File(s) and select the STL
- PrusaSlicer: File → Import → Import STL and select the file
- OrcaSlicer: File → Import and select the file
The model appears on the build plate. It should be oriented correctly (standing upright) since Mesh Sculptor exports in the same orientation as the preview.
Step 6: Slicer settings for Mesh Sculptor models
Mesh Sculptor models have some unique characteristics that affect slicer settings:
Wall Settings
Step 6
Configure perimeters
Since the STL already has wall thickness built in (from the Shell settings), set the slicer to:
- Perimeters: 2–3 (to fill the wall thickness defined in Mesh Sculptor)
- Wall thickness: match or slightly exceed the Mesh Sculptor wall thickness
- If using PrusaSlicer, "Detect thin walls" can help with variable-thickness sections from effects
Infill
Step 7
Set infill
For hollow vases and decorative objects:
- Infill: 0% — the Mesh Sculptor shell already defines the walls. No infill needed inside the wall volume.
- If the model has thick walls (5+ mm), you may want 10–15% infill to fill the wall solid.
Support
Step 8
Handle supports
Most Mesh Sculptor designs (vases, containers) are self-supporting because the profile spline naturally avoids extreme overhangs. However:
- If your design has inward-curving sections, the slicer may generate interior supports
- If you added a Bottom Cap, the closed base eliminates the need for support at the bottom
- Check the slicer preview for any unexpected support structures and adjust if needed
Layer Height
Step 9
Choose layer height
- 0.2 mm — standard, good balance of speed and quality
Step 7: Preview and print
Step 10
Final slicer preview
Use the slicer's layer preview mode to scrub through the print:
1. Check the first few layers — are they solid and adhering to the build plate?
2. Scrub to mid-height — are the walls properly filled?
3. Check the top layers — is the rim clean?
4. Verify the estimated print time and filament usage
Once satisfied, export the G-code from the slicer and send it to your printer.
Step 8: Save your project
Step 11
Save the project file
Before closing 3dSynth, save the project file (File → Save). This preserves:
- Your profile spline points, modes, and handles
- Cross-section settings
- All effects and their parameters
- Shell settings
- Quality preference
You can reopen the project later to make changes, adjust effects, or export at a different quality.
Complete workflow summary
| Step | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Design the profile spline | Sculpt tab → Shape Curve |
| 2 | Choose cross-section shape | Sculpt tab → Cross-Section |
| 3 | Set quality to Draft for iteration | Sculpt tab → Quality |
| 4 | Enable shell with appropriate thickness | Sculpt tab → Shell |
| 5 | Add and tune effects | Effects tab |
| 6 | Add Bottom Cap if needed | Effects tab → Utility |
| 7 | Final preview at High quality | Sculpt tab → Quality |
| 8 | Export STL at High or Ultra | Export button |
| 9 | Import into slicer and configure | External slicer |
| 10 | Print! | Your 3D printer |
Outcome
Congratulations! You have completed the full Mesh Sculptor tutorial series. You can now:
- Shape profiles and choose cross-sections for any design
- Control mesh quality for fast iteration and detailed export
- Configure shell settings for watertight, printable objects
- Stack and manage displacement effects
- Use wave, texture, and shape effects creatively
- Export STL files and configure your slicer for the best results
Congratulations!
You have completed all 10 Mesh Sculptor tutorials. You are ready to create stunning, high-resolution mesh designs and bring them to life through 3D printing. Explore the Documentation for detailed parameter references on every effect, or try the G-code Sculptor tutorials for direct G-code toolpath design.