Published on 8 January 2024

3D printing

Various printing processes enable the creation of spatial physical models using 3D printers. With that, we can transform digital geodata into an analogue 3D model. 

Possible data basis

Depending on the application, different swisstopo 3D geodata products are suitable for 3D printing. The products can also be combined if required.

• Digital terrain model (DTM) swissALTI^3D raster
• Digital terrain model (DTM) Terrain FBX
• Digital surface model (DSM) swissSURFACE^3D raster
• Digital height model (DHM) lake bed swissBATHY^3D raster
• Buildings swissBUILDINGS^3D 2.0 or swissBUILDINGS^3D 3.0 Beta

Modell 64x64mm / swissALTI3D and DHM25 / realisation with curing by exposure

Modell 64x64mm / swissSURFACE3D Raster / realisation with curing by exposure

Matterhorn as STL Format in the 3D viewer

Model 1:2'000 250x203mm / swissBUILDINGS3D and swissALTI3D / realisation as colour print with powder

Model 1:2'000 250x203mm / swissBUILDINGS3D and swissALTI3D / realisation as print with powder

Modell 1:500 100x100mm / swissBUILDINGS3D and swissALTI3D / realisation as paper print

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Sample data

As an example, you can print the Matterhorn at any scale. To do this, use the sample data converted from the product swissALTI^3D  and DHM25 in STL format. 

• Matterhorn in STL format

  ZIP1.67 MB12 January 2024

FAQs

• Does swisstopo offer 3D printing as a service?

  No. For 3D printing, please contact a specialised 3D printing provider.

• What data format is necessary for a 3D print?

  Typically, an STL file (STereoLithography or Standard Tessellation Language), extension .stl, is required. This extension is used for stereolithographic CAD data. STL is one of the standard formats of many CAD systems and is used mainly for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

• Does swisstopo also offer the STL file format?

  No, not at the moment.

• How do I create an STL dataset?

  Many modelling and visualisation programmes can export to STL. Workaround: Import geodata and then export again as STL. Blender, QGIS, ArcGIS, FME etc. are suitable for this.
  

• During the STL export process, my software asks me which type of data I would like to export to (binary or ascii)

  The data type provides information about the compression of the data. For this purpose, the more compact binary STL format is quite sufficient.

• What do I need to pay attention to in 3D printing?

  For printing, the model must not contain any gaps. It must be watertight and have a closed, continuous surface. The software of the 3D printer must be able to reliably recognise where should be built and where not. Overhangs, such as building roofs, can lead to errors depending on the printing process and thickness.
  

• How detailed can I print in 3D? What is the resolution of a 3D printer?

  The degree of detail (resolution of a 3D printer) depends on the printing method and the utilised material. With current devices, the thickness of a single layer ranges from about 0.1 mm to 0.02 mm. Note the selected resolution of the input data and the printing scale.
  

• How does a 3D printer work?

  In 3D printing, the model has built in additive layers. Various methods are used for this.
  

  • A laser melts and consolidates applied powder.
    
  • The print material melts and is applied continuously.
    
  • With exposure, parts of the plastic bath harden.