3D Printing Guide

New to 3D printing, or just new to our designs? This guide gets you from download to your first great print.

1. Get your design

  1. Log in on oneminuteworld.com and open Designs.
  2. Pick a design and press Unlock (1 print token), or Download free on free designs.
  3. Your file downloads as an .stl (sometimes a .zip with several parts). Unlocked designs stay in your account, so you can download them again anytime.

2. Open it in a slicer (free)

A slicer turns the STL into instructions for your printer. Use the one made for your printer, or any of these free ones: Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer or UltiMaker Cura. Choose your printer and filament in the slicer, then drag the STL in.

3. Good starting settings (PLA)

  • Layer height: 0.2 mm (0.12–0.16 mm for small, detailed pieces)
  • Walls: 2–3 · Infill: 15% (gyroid or grid)
  • Temperatures: use your filament's own settings, usually about 200–220 °C nozzle and 55–60 °C bed for PLA
  • Supports: only if the design page says so, or for overhangs steeper than about 45°. "Tree" supports are easiest to remove.
  • Orientation: lay the flattest side on the bed. Most of our designs are already placed the best way.

4. Before you press print

  • Clean the build plate (warm water and dish soap, or isopropyl alcohol) so prints stick.
  • Check the preview in your slicer, layer by layer, for floating parts.
  • Watch the first layer: it should be flat and slightly squished, not round lines or gaps.

5. Quick fixes

  • Print won't stick / corners lift: clean the plate, slow the first layer, add a brim.
  • Stringy hairs: dry your filament, lower the temperature 5 °C, check retraction.
  • Gaps or weak parts: add a wall or raise infill to 20–25%.
  • Messy overhangs: turn on supports, or more part cooling.
  • Parts too tight: print a test piece first; scale by 1–2% if needed.

6. Finishing touches

Remove supports with flush cutters, smooth edges with fine sandpaper, and use acrylic paint for details. Multicolour designs list the filament colours on their design page.

7. Stay safe

  • Print in a ventilated room and never leave a printer running unattended for long.
  • Keep small parts away from young children and pets.
  • Standard prints are not food-safe or heat-proof.

Your license

What you can do with prints depends on your plan: Starter · Creator · Seller.

Stuck? Message us through Contact. We're happy to help, and we love seeing your prints! 📸