3D Print Your City: STL Export Guide for Architecture Models

Physical Site Models in the Digital Age

3D printed site models are making a comeback. They're perfect for:

• Client presentations
• Design reviews
• Public exhibitions
• Portfolio photography

ArchiKEK's STL export makes it easy to print any location worldwide.

Understanding STL Export

STL (Stereolithography) is the standard format for 3D printing. Unlike OBJ, STL:

• Contains only geometry (no materials)
• Uses triangulated mesh
• Requires watertight geometry

ArchiKEK handles all this automatically.

STL Export Settings

Raft Thickness

The "raft" is a solid base under your model. Recommended settings:

• 2mm: Standard desktop prints
• 3mm: Larger models (>15cm)
• 5mm: Exhibition models

Layers to Include

Consider what you need:

• ✅ Buildings: Essential
• ✅ Terrain: Provides base
• ⚡ Roads: Optional (adds detail but print time)
• ⚡ Water: Nice for coastal areas
• ❌ Green: Usually skip (hard to print well)

Choosing the Right Scale

FDM Printing Tips

For standard filament printers (Ender, Prusa, etc.):

Layer Height

• 0.2mm for speed
• 0.12mm for detail
• 0.08mm for maximum detail

Infill

• 15-20% is enough for models
• Gyroid or cubic pattern recommended

Supports

Buildings usually print fine without supports if:

• Layer height ≤ 0.2mm
• Overhang angle < 45°

Material

• PLA: Easy, good detail
• PETG: Stronger, slight stringing
• White filament: Best for architectural models

SLA/Resin Printing

For resin printers (Elegoo, Anycubic, Formlabs):

Advantages

• Amazing detail
• Smooth surfaces
• Perfect for small scales

Settings

• 50µm layer height for detail
• Standard grey resin
• Careful with supports (can damage buildings)

Post-Processing

FDM Models

• Remove any supports
• Light sanding (220 grit)
• Primer spray (grey)
• Optional: Paint with acrylics

Resin Models

• Wash in IPA
• UV cure
• Remove supports
• Light sanding if needed
• Prime and paint

Common Issues

Model Won't Slice

• File too large → reduce area size
• Geometry errors → re-export from ArchiKEK

Weak Buildings

• Increase wall thickness in slicer
• Print larger scale
• Use resin for tiny details

Poor Layer Adhesion

• Increase print temperature
• Slower print speed
• Check bed leveling

Printing Services

Don't have a printer? Use online services:

• Shapeways: Professional quality
• Sculpteo: Good for architecture
• Local makerspaces: Often cheapest

Upload your STL and choose material.

Project Ideas

Urban Study Model

Print 2km of a city in sections, assemble for exhibition.

Site Context

Print 500m around your project site at 1:500.

Before/After

Print existing + proposed for comparison.

Cityscape Art

Print in resin, photograph with dramatic lighting.

Generate STL Export →