I’m going to describe the basic process I go through to design and then 3D print a vase using 3DS Max. The basic techniques can be applied to many different modeling programs.
Step 1:
Navigate to the splines section and select the Star tool.
Step 2:
Place a star spline with your desired dimensions and number of points. The filet option can be used to smooth the edges.
Step 3:
Select the star. Select Extrude from the Modifier List. Enter the desired height. Use 1 vertical segment for this example, with the rest of the settings at default.
Step 4:
Select the star. Right click, and select Convert To: Editable Poly
Step 5:
Select the top face of the object, and twist it.
Step 6:
With the top face still selected, shrink it to your desired size to create a taper.
Step 7:
Export the model as an STL from 3DS Max, and import it into your slicing program. I use Slic3r and repetier host.
To use vase mode, you have to have:
- 1 External Perimeter
- 0 Top Layers
- Spiral vase mode enabled (obviously)
I find that using 3 bottom layers is fine, but you can use more to make it less tippy.
Step 8:
Once the model is sliced, print it using your printer and desired settings. I printed this one using transparent purple PLA from AMZ3D. It came out alright; I should have printed a bit slower.
You can download the model on Thingiverse:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2105789
Thanks for reading! I hope you learned something. Have a great day.