# Best Practices for 3D Printing with Sloyd

Get the best 3D printing results from Sloyd models. Learn export settings, file prep, and tips for FDM and resin printers.

_Nuno Cardoso · 2025-08-05 · 3D Printing_

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You’ve designed the perfect model in [Sloyd.ai](/), and now you’re ready to bring it into the physical world. The journey from digital design to tangible object is exciting, but it can have a few hurdles. To help you get flawless results every time, we’ve put together our best practices for 3D printing your Sloyd creations.

## Start with the Right Preset

The easiest way to ensure a successful print is to start with a model that’s already optimized for it. Whether you're using our [Text-to-3D](/text-to-3d) or [Image-to-3D](/image-to-3d) generators, Sloyd offers a dedicated "3D Printing" preset.

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Selecting this option before generating your model does a few crucial things behind the scenes:

* **Optimizes the Mesh:** It creates a solid (watertight) mesh, which is essential for 3D printers to understand the object's geometry without errors.
* **Removes Unnecessary Data:** The preset strips out textures and UV coordinates, as these aren't needed for printing and can sometimes complicate the process.
* **Improves Printability:** It makes smart adjustments to reduce potential issues like holes or overly thin walls, giving you a much more robust model from the get-go.

Starting with this preset, which you can try in our [Text-to-3D lab](https://v3.app.sloyd.ai/labs/text-to-3d), saves you a ton of prep work and drastically increases your chances of a perfect first print.

## Exporting to STL and Preparing Your Slicer

Once your model is ready, it's time to export it. For 3D printing, the standard file format is **STL (Stereolithography)**, which Sloyd supports for all generated models. An STL file describes the surface geometry of a 3D object, making it the perfect language for your printer to understand.

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After downloading your STL file, you'll need to open it in a slicer program. A slicer is a piece of software that "slices" your model into hundreds or thousands of thin horizontal layers and generates the G-code (the instructions) your printer follows. Popular free slicers include [Cura](https://ultimaker.com/) and [PrusaSlicer](https://www.prusa3d.com/).

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Here are a few key things to check in your slicer:

* **Orientation:** Ensure your model is positioned correctly on the virtual build plate. Placing the largest, flattest surface down often provides the best stability.
* **Supports:** If your model has significant overhangs (parts that stick out at a steep angle), you’ll need to enable supports. These are temporary structures that prevent drooping and ensure the overhanging parts print correctly.
* **Infill:** This is the internal structure of your print. A higher infill percentage (e.g., 20-25%) creates a stronger, heavier object, while a lower infill (e.g., 10-15%) prints faster and uses less material.

## Final Tips for a Flawless Print

Before you hit "print" on that 12-hour job, follow these final tips to avoid common pitfalls.

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### **Do a Test Print**

Always print a small-scale version of your model first. A miniature test print that takes only 20-30 minutes can reveal potential issues with orientation, supports, or model geometry. This simple step can save you hours of wasted time and filament on a failed large print.

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### **Check Your Printer Settings**

Every 3D printer and filament type has its own ideal settings. Double-check your nozzle temperature, bed temperature, and print speed to ensure they match the recommendations for your specific material (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.). A quick search for your filament brand's recommended settings can make a world of difference.

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By using Sloyd's powerful generation tools and following these simple 3D printing tips, you can seamlessly turn your digital ideas into high-quality physical objects. Now, go ahead and bring your creations to life

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Source: https://www.sloyd.ai/blog/best-practices-for-3d-printing-with-sloyd