TheSTLSmith Support Center

Splitting Models Into Multiple Pieces?

None of my models are provided split into pieces unless otherwise specifically stated for a certain reason (such as the Bloodborne Saw Cleaver being foldable). Being a single piece they can be used for anything from the obvious life size props to half scale display pieces, to statues, to miniatures, or even pieces for existing statues or miniatures, not to mention that we all have different size printers and ways we like to do things! Take helmets for example, they need to be sized to your head before splitting into parts, the final size will determine how it fits or needs to be split for your size printer. Another example is how the dowel holes I add in props when I print them are for specific sized wooden dowels which may not be available elsewhere in the world. 

After purchasing a model it is possible for me to split it into parts for you however it is not a free service as it can be time consuming to do, so I always recommend that you learn yourself as it is a useful skill to have and will save you money. My recommendation for ease of use would be PrusaSlicer 2.6+ or Bambu Studio or Orca Slicer (my pick), they're all near identical in use and have an automatic pin/hole or dowel hole feature in the cutting tools. If you don't use those slicers it would be worth downloading just for splitting models. Otherwise there are plenty of youtube videos and other resources out there on how to do it using free software such as Blender using boolean tools, or even 3D Builder which is included with Windows. I do not recommend Meshmixer I've always found it useless. For miniatures I recommend including a pin on one side and a hole on the other of each split that you make for alignment and strength in assembly. For FDM printed props I prefer holes on both sides so dowels can be inserted in each join instead. Size the holes to your dowels so it's a tight fit. You can print the dowels, but if you do that then print them horizontally not vertically, they're 10x stronger that way, though still nowhere near as strong as wood. 

I haven't been able to find a perfect video for Blender but this one is close! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moPDPB4MY2U), for props just use straight flat cuts and cylinders for dowel holes.