Optimise STL for Reliable FDM Production

# Freelancer Required – FDM 3D Print Optimisation of Existing STL

**Project:** BattleShelf – Miniature Army Display Shelves

I am looking for an experienced **FDM 3D printing designer/engineer** to optimise an existing STL model for reliable, repeatable commercial production.

**This is not a new design project.** The model already exists and I am happy with its overall appearance. However, the current geometry is proving extremely difficult to print reliably.

### Current Problems

The model is a large, multi-tiered, ruined-stone display shelf for tabletop miniatures, approximately 294 × 210 × 216 mm.

- Large unsupported horizontal overhangs beneath the display shelves.
- Extensive tree supports required, particularly between shelf levels.
- Two full-size print attempts have suffered significant failures, including layer shifts.
- Current slicing estimates are approximately **684g of PLA and 26 hours**, including 104g of supports.
- Support removal is potentially difficult and risks damaging decorative details.
- One display shelf lacks sufficient usable depth for miniatures.

### What I Need

I need someone to modify the existing model to:

1. **Improve FDM printability**, particularly by redesigning unsupported shelf undersides, overhangs and problematic corners.
2. **Reduce reliance on slicer-generated supports**, potentially through angled undersides, integrated architectural supports or carefully engineered removable supports.
3. Maintain the existing ruined-stone aesthetic and overall appearance.
4. Ensure all display levels have adequate usable space for tabletop miniatures.
5. Remove unnecessary decorative elements, including the existing flag/banner.
6. Optimise the model for reliable production, reasonable filament consumption and straightforward post-processing.

### Printer and Requirements

- **Printer:** QIDI Plus5
- **Nozzle:** 0.4mm
- **Material:** PLA
- **Slicer:** QIDI Studio / OrcaSlicer
- **Print bed:** 305 × 305mm

The final design must be suitable for repeated FDM production, not simply look good as a digital sculpt.

### Deliverables

- Revised, print-ready STL.
- Editable source file.
- Recommended print orientation and slicer/support settings.
- Sliced project file compatible with the QIDI Plus5, where possible.
- Evidence of FDM printability, ideally including experience with similar large architectural models.

### Important

I have already spent considerable time and money on a designer who produced an attractive model but did not adequately account for FDM manufacturing requirements.

**I am specifically looking for someone with proven experience optimising complex models for FDM printing, not just 3D sculpting.**

Please explain how you would approach the unsupported overhangs and support requirements before quoting. I can provide the existing STL and screenshots of the current slicing problems.

I would initially prefer a fixed-price assessment of the existing model, followed by an agreed quotation for the necessary modifications.