How to slice and cut stl files for 3D Printing - 3DP 101

There comes a time when you want to print larger objects on your 3D Printer than your print bed allows. Well, in this 3D Printing 101 we will show you how using 3 awesome methods to achieve just this!

NOTE: 'slice' has two meanings! I am 'slicing' large .stl files into sections, but then you transfer these to your 'slicer' which will convert them to the many layers used for 3D Printing.
I know it's confusing - and the two share many similarities. It confused me for a very long time!

Links to software used:

Links to Slicers used:

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[JimmyShawsTidbits]

"I won't judge" LOL!!!! That cracked me up.

[DragonRoco]

There was a tool floating around for opencad that would slice an object up into a set size and put connectors (t-shaped) in so that the print could be slid together to form one large print. It removed any worries of alignment as it should self align.

[wibble]

gotta say... i bought a tronxy x3a faulty board faulty x motor and lose black wire on leveler... the anycubic kossel plus linear which had a loose wire in leveler and needed a new board as despite setting the thing up nothing was storing even after umpteen gazillion ( large number indeed)... firmware cleardown and re flashing . after such a baptism of fire I was having all kinds of print issues.... your channel has been outstanding ... as has joe at 3dmn and lots of other guys. Without the guidance you and the community provide life would be soooo much harder... thank you

[kazolar]

been using these methods, but sometimes you just need to print something in one piece where you can hide a seam. I was working with a 200x250x200 bed on my MakerGear M2 for a while -- then got a TypeA Series 1 Pro with a 305x305x305 bed. Then just because I like a challenge and to torture myself, I designed and build a delta 490mm diameter x 675mm height. Now I think I can print just about anything I need or can print on one spool without cutting it apart. Expensive hobby. Did some test slices on the delta, anything that fills up the build volume and is not a vase will take 4-5 kgs of plastic, so that will be fun.

[Themadfranklin]

Terrific information well put! I learned SO MUCH in three minutes from you. Thank you so much!

[UnlikelyCreators]

"It's alright I won't judge" Haha, oh Angus that helped me a lot right there you don't even know.

[DPrintingNerd]

If I had the money, I would pay for you to fly to me to teach me Meshmixer.

[aPyroDesign]

Awesome video. I literally just used netfabb basic last night to cut up a large project last night. I saw that other tip on Joels channel. Now I keep seeing how useful mesh mixer is though and keep not using it. I really need to start ha-ha.

[MakeItWithCalvin]

I tend to use Meshmixer for slicing up files into pieces although the hack method in simplify 3d works a treat if done right!

[typhousneon-]

Thanks this is really helpful, been following your channel for a little over month and learned a lot 👍👍👍

[CJPrinting]

I feel like a broken record. maybe it is your camera but... are you the God of lighting?

[brandon]

Over 2000 views and 200 thumbs up without a single down-vote. You've finally found yourself The Perfect Formula, Angus. The Perfect, Award-Winning Formula For Ultimate Interwebs Video Success! :D

[theinkdroid]

Great vid as always Angus. Wooo super sledge.

[Mickice]

FlashPrint has a cut tool. You can cut diagonally as well as XYZ. You can even save STL after it has been cut.

[bobHsampaio]

Tks, I have used 3dsmax to divide, but Meshmixer is also an excellent choice to do it.

[dathotac]

Bro you're a life saver. Thank you!

[dpprofessor]

I always thought that dropping things below the print bed would cause the nozzle to crash so I... never actually tried it.

[HopeGamerBrand]

Dude you saved my life!!
Thank you!! I needed this!

[Crafted]

Finally a really helpful video with no dislikes!! (YouTube comment section is evil)

[TravisRamage]

Hey Angus, I've been having trouble with getting Meshmixer to launch once installed, so I had to try your 3rd option. It doesn't seem to be working for me either. Why don't they just add a cut tool into Cura? That would be so much easier for us...Lol!