How to 3D Print a Heart Model
Here is a helpful guide for turning a digital model from The 3D heart Project into a 3D print. Our models are for educational purposes, not clinical decision-making or commercial purposes.
If you are new to 3D printing here are some introductory resources.
Youtube video: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing - Part 1 by 3D Now.
This video provides an overview of 3D printing and all the different types and possibilities.
Ebook: Basics of 3D printing with Josef Prusa
Website: All3dp is a great website and magazine with tons of articles about technology and 3D printing.
Table of Contents
Step 2: Finding the appropriate files
Having the models printed for you:
Step 4: Removing supports and post-processing
You've finished your 3D printed heart!
Step 1: Download the models
Our heart models are free and open source, allowing you to make your own 3D prints. Below each model on the 3D Heart Project there is a download button. This button will download a folder containing the files you will need for 3D printing.
Step 2: Finding the appropriate files
Once the download is complete you may have several different files.
If there is only one available version of the model you will just have one .stl file.
For some models there are different versions, including a bloodpool, a whole heart model, or a model cut into pieces. Read the files names to determine which you would like to print.
Common files types that may be included:
STL: This is a popular file type that can be used in all 3D printers. There may be multiple .stl files, if the model is in multiple pieces, or if there are different printing options.
BLEND: This is a file format for Blender. Blender is free software that we use for painting and colouring 3D models.
OBJ: Object (Obj) files are 3d model files used for viewing a model on a screen, in Virtual Reality (VR), or for more complicated multi-colour 3D printing.
Step 3: Printing the model
The next step will be to decide if you are 3D printing the models yourself, or send the files to someone else for printing.
Having the models printed for you:
Many different companies and organizations provide 3D printing services. Many libraries, universities, and schools have 3D printers open to the public at low or no cost. You can send them the downloaded .stl or .obj files for printing. You may need to specify the types of material and colours you wish to have the models printed in.
Printing the model yourself:
Input the .stl files into your slicing program, which will turn your digital model into instructions for your 3D printer. The models have been successfully printed on FDM, SLA, and Polyjet printers in various materials. Link to an article explaining slicer settings.
Many of the models are quite large, to reduce printing time you may want to adjust the size of the models. Most slicing programs have a scale function to adjust the size.
Recommended print settings
You may need to adapt the following settings below to match your printer, specific model, or to optimize printing.
FDM Printing
Recommended object orientation
Material: PLA, PETG, TPU
(TPU is really great, it is flexible and makes the models more durable)
Nozzle size: 0.4mm
Layer Height: 0.2mm
Infill: >10%
Support setting:
- Enable supports everywhere
- Z spacing: 0.2- 0.25mm
- Pattern Spacing 3mm
- Interface layers 4
- Interface layer spacing 0.2mm
SLA Printing
Hollowing out the models can reduce the printing time and material cost for SLA printing, the offset distance should be >1mm. Tutorial for hollowing model in Meshmixer.
If printing multiple models on the same build plate have >5mm between models.
Object Orientation: Move the model to remove any areas where resin could pool and create cups.
Material: Solid, Flexible, Elastic resins
Layer thickness: 0.1mm or less
Support settings:
- Full raft
- Density: ~0.8
- Touchpoint size: 0.5mm
- Enable inner supports
Step 4: Removing supports and post-processing
To achieve a successful print our heart models will need to be printed with supports; which are printed pieces that support that model as it prints.
After printing the supports will need to be removed with small snips or pliers and thrown away. Take your time and be careful while removing supports; the models can be delicate depending on the size and materials you decide to print them in.
Sanding may be required to finish off rough areas where the supports were attached; you can use a nail file or fine grit sandpaper.
You've finished your 3D printed heart!
3D printed models can be printed in different colours and painted to add more detail and make them unique. We would love to hear about how you use our heart models by emailing us at the3dheartproject@gmail.com