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Once you have ideaMaker installed, you can create an .idea file to submit to the Technology Lab. In this guide, we will go over importing one or multiple models in ideaMaker, how to orientate for a successful print, and how to save that as a .idea file type. It is important to note the school's 3D printing policy requires each part to be its own STL file, and /wiki/spaces/SOAdigitech/pages/75240165. With Rhino, you will need to export each individual component to its own STL file, then you may add multiple STL models to one .idea group file. If your model scale is too large for the 3D print bed, you must section it your model into manageable pieces and submit multiple .idea group files. Our goal is to have the fewest groupings possible and to optimize the print bed by orientating and arranging our models.

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1. Launch ideaMaker
2. Click "Import Models"
   1. 
3. Select your STL file(s)*
4. Click on each model and ensure there are no errors listed in the bottom right for each modelpart
   1. Errors will be identified by a color change in the modelspart
      
      1. White means good to go
         1. 
      2. Red is warning that the model may have an issue printing
         1. If you run into errors, we recommend returning to your source file within Rhino to correct the problem
            1. Non-manifold edges are a common issue
            2. 
         2. We won't print an .idea file with red/warning models
5. Verify the scale
   1. Scaling models will always be on the submitter
6. Orientate Orient your models
   1. We are looking for a stable footprint to start the print
   2. For example, a side that is flat or without major details should be face-down
   3. The technology lab will use additional support pillars to ensure a successful print when doing something like a Sphere or more unconventional shapes
7. When you're done adding and orientation parts
   1. Select "File"
   2. Click "Save Idea File As"
      1. Make sure to use the naming syntax available on our wiki**
8. Now you're ready to submit your file(s)!

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