I have downloaded 3D Builder some time ago and not having much luck with it the first time round, I did not pursue it further. But just a few days ago, on a whim, I decided to try again, with two objectives:
- Upload a .stl file and see what I can do with it, and
- Scale up/down the object, save it and see if JLCPCB can print them without errors
With that in mind, I decided to test with a 3D figure of Cobb Vanth (from The Manalorian) which I downloaded sometime in August 2026 and to resize him into a 1/35th figure. Over the years, I learned that most of the 3D files are never in the scale that I need at the time of any Project. And therefore, they must be scaled. I was expecting a simple solution to this but the learning curve from various 3D software were quite unforgiving. That is, until a Facebook Friend highlighted 3D Builder from Microsoft. Oh, I kinda forgot where I got the 3D file from but most of them now requires you to give them money.
It is quite a nice software but obtaining it was another matter. If you go straight to the Microsoft Store, you will definitely get some issues trying to download it. But once that matter was settled, I was able to do what I wanted within a very short time. That is, as soon as I stopped rushing and started to read the screen for icons. Yeah, that is my problem when I do not RTFM as I believe most software should be easy to use from the get-go, and the manual would only come in when you need more in-depth details. (ahem)
The Scaling
How about me?
While playing with the 3D Builder, I decided to try with a 3D scan of myself, taken some time ago, circa 2019. If I remember correctly, I was spun on a moving platform while being scanned with a basic Microsoft Kinect Scanner. At that time, I was part of the ICW Team(Infinite Creation Workshop) displaying our models in Animangaki. So, I was wearing the ICW Apron.
Summary
So, both models get resized to 1/35th scale and on a test upload to JLC3DP, it might just pass but I won’t know until I really want to make the order and that is when they would start to analyse the file. Until I am confident in getting a 3D Printer that does not give me any fuss, this is the only method to get figures for any potential diorama. Another issue I need to be aware is the scaling. If the Author does or does not state the size or the scale of the 3D model, it is best to check their dimensions at all times.
And sad to say, after the Cobb Vanth 3D file, I realised that most of the 3D models I have downloaded in the past is now chargeable. Thus, it would not be fair to the creators to send their files out for local printing.
