3D Printing Design Principles Model Set

This model set helps you understand the core principles of FFF 3D printing through simple, physical examples. Each cube demonstrates a key concept, showing how design decisions affect printability, strength, and surface quality. Instead of only reading about these ideas, you can see and feel how they behave in real prints.

The set is designed to be used alongside the included Design Principles Guide, which explains each concept with clear visuals and practical rules of thumb.

Key principles

Each model represents a key design principle:

• Overhangs

• Bridging

• Minimum features

• Orientation

• Fillets

• Chamfers

• Tolerance

• Holes

• Sharp points

Together, they provide a foundation for designing parts that print reliably and efficiently.

Printing

Print using standard PLA material and slicer settings (0.2mm layer height, infill 15%, no supports). The goal isn’t perfect prints, but to observe how each feature behaves under typical conditions - small imperfections are expected.

You can print the full set at once or use individual files to experiment with colours or materials. The base can be printed separately to organise the models.

How to use

Print the models and compare how each feature performs. Refer to the guide to understand why, then apply the principles to your own designs. This makes the set useful for learning, teaching, and improving CAD models.

Included files

• Full model set with base

• Individual cube files

• Design Principles Guide (PDF)

• Printing instructions

Learn more

This model set is part of a full course that shows these principles applied in real CAD designs and projects: https://weareprintlab.com/courses/designing-for-3d-printing/