<p>First of all, Fred's answer is very well but some more items to note, and a different way to fix them using blender.</p>
<p>After opening blender, deleting the box with <code>entf</code> and importing the <code>Wavefront .obj</code>, I changed to edit mode and started inspecting the colored areas for artifacts and what they were.</p>
<h2>Layered surface only areas</h2>
<p>The top feathers are made up from 3 layers of surfaces:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/anUKv.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/anUKv.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>This could be easily fixed by removing the middle layer, then connecting the front and back with new faces. In investigating this I also noted, that many of the faces actually are unconnected, so we fix that first, running a Merge intersecting vertices: <code>rightclick</code> -&gt; <code>Merge Vertices</code> -&gt; <code>By Distance</code>. Then, all the lines are blue - this means, that the lines are determined as &quot;sharp edges&quot; so we change to edge select, <code>A</code>, then <code>rightclick</code> -&gt; <code>clear sharp</code>. Much better. Now, select the vertices in between the front and back, and delete them via <code>entf</code>.</p>
<p>After that work-over, the area looks like this:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/S8Fcy.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/S8Fcy.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>So, next is re-skinning those edges. Select the remaining edges on the outside in pairs, then <code>F</code> to create a face between them, rinse, and repeat. But that does not yet solve the facing issue, because the faces are an odd gradient, not pure color, and as is evident, all the normals (<a href="https://www.katsbits.com/codex/show-normals/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">activate them via a menu</a>):</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/DGL9R.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/DGL9R.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>All normals are messed up! so we need to recalculate them. Recalculating them is <code>A</code> till everything is selected, then <code>Ctrl</code>+<code>Shift</code>+<code>N</code>, and voila, that area is reworked to a good part:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/mlbLO.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/mlbLO.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Now, we are going to export the file as <code>.stl</code>: even though Cura can take <code>.obj</code>, it has trouble to analyze those for facing properly at times. So let's look if we fixed that area alright... and in Cura now looks like this (OBJ left, STL right):</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/tcEBN.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/tcEBN.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>However, as I will show later, this is the work-intensive way, so don't really bother with those areas, we'll fix them all at once later.</p>
<h2>Single surface only areas</h2>
<p>Next, the shoulder details. Those are also one surface only, so we need to give them some heft. I am talking these (grey) ones:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/TY6pG.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/TY6pG.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>I hid the bulk of the model (the selected, orange parts) first using <code>H</code> so it is more visible. Then I selected the upper 'wing', then pressed <code>E</code> for extrude. Type in <code>.01</code> to define that thickness as how much it should extrude it out. Repeat for the other part. <code>ALT</code>+<code>H</code> to unhide the parts we had hidden before and Voila:
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/YwWKC.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/YwWKC.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>However, the newly thickened parts did not intersect the body properly yet, so we need to fix that a little, as seen here:
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/eC3tV.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/eC3tV.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>So, select the area we need to fix and <code>E</code> for Extrude. Slowly pull till the two parts intersect neatly:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/3sMa1.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/3sMa1.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<h2>floating details</h2>
<p>Next step: the floating gem in front of the head!</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/gr44G.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/gr44G.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Here fixing gets tricky. We might either just delete the crystal and print it separately and fix it with a little piece of wire later, or we need to create a strut. So, let's do the latter! We select the edges on the backside of the crystal like so...</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/WAfdL.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/WAfdL.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p><code>rightclick</code> -&gt; <code>Subdivide</code> and then in the lower left corner set it to 2:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/htA77.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/htA77.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Select the center and <code>E</code>xtrude</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/BEzGG.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/BEzGG.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Keep the area selected and <code>G</code> for moving it down into the head, till we are happy with the look:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/QRRWQ.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/QRRWQ.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<h2>superfluous surfaces</h2>
<p>Then there are some areas that contain &quot;extra&quot; surfaces, those can be deleted, such as this rectangular one and this feather inside the arm:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/cCi5t.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/cCi5t.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/GWk6F.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/GWk6F.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<h2>Fixng most surface only areas</h2>
<p>Another problematic area is the facemask, which is only a single layer, but wrapped around the face it is a little more tricky to extrude:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/vfeBh.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/vfeBh.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>This area can be fixed by running a solidify operation, which also makes fixing the feathers individually obsolete! So, how to run solidify?</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/k7xzZ.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/k7xzZ.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a>
On the right bar, click the wrench, in the dropdown choose solidify, set the thickness to 0.01 and... voila! Mostly fixed... well, we need to fix a few normals, as you'll see here:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/XQW0R.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/XQW0R.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a>
so, let's select everything with <code>A</code>, then recalculate normals with <code>CTRL</code>+<code>SHIFT</code>+<code>N</code>, make sure that inside is not checked in the lower right corner, so the modeled surface is on the outside shell... and we are DONE! Export as STL or OBJ and go to test it!</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/lbQBH.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/lbQBH.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<h2>Check in Cura</h2>
<p>Now, to check if we still have reversed surfaces, I imported into Acura and... all the red areas (overhangs) are where they belong: on the underside! So... yep, we are done. Make sure to have the unify intersecting shells option on. You also might want to add some more struts for floating shoulder armor and such... It's a labor intensive work, but in the end you'll have a printable object.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/3AjEK.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/3AjEK.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-30T15:14:40.493Z
I've upvoted this answer, for the level of completeness it represents. I'd love to have half the understanding of Blender that Trish provides in these answers.
fred_dot_u
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-04T01:56:08.853Z
Many thanks for your answer Trish. I've made some progress fixing the model, though still having some issues. Blender seems to be the way to go though, so I am going to learn how that works before proceeding with more fixes. Thanks for your help!
Devasta
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-04T08:46:29.037Z
@Devasta Blender is a very powerful software, but it's UI is not the most intuitive. It has gotten VERY much better since I started dabbling with it some 5 years ago.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T09:44:47.440Z
Too right about that. I'm going looking at nightcourses and/or Udemy. Have some holidays to take... :)
Devasta
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T11:36:23.377Z
@Devasta Youtube and various learning platforms have tutorials, some streamers even do Q&A on blender.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-30T14:53:25.870Z
2020-09-30T14:53:25.870Z
Trish
<p>I believe you've identified the primary problem with this model. The single surface features are going to interfere with printing this object.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/w3l7o.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/w3l7o.png" alt="reversed normals image" /></a></p>
<p>The image above is the result of loading the model into Autodesk Netfabb. The red segments are reversed normals, but also single surface components. There are others, visible when rotating the model.</p>
<p>One portion is uncertain, above the flap on the back. It could be a component of the flap or a reversed normal of the body's back.</p>
<p>To resolve this problem, it would be necessary to add thickness to those features.</p>
<p>I loaded the model into Meshmixer and identified one feature, the rear flap. It's loaded with reversed normals when viewed from the &quot;outside&quot; or rear of the model.</p>
<p>Using the select tool, it was easy enough to highlight those triangles and proceed to Edit, flip normals. That was followed by Edit, Extrude, to a thickness of -0.02 mm which presented this result:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/riAVL.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/riAVL.png" alt="thickness flap" /></a></p>
<p>There are a few &quot;floating&quot; features in the model. One which pops out is over the protective garb over the shoulder. Those would have to be anchored by adding features or moving that specific feature to properly intersect the body.</p>
<p>There are a few others, zero thickness portions that resemble solar panels. I suspect they are artifacts rather than intentional model features. Those can be removed in Meshmixer using a similar method, Select, Edit, Delete</p>
<p>The hanging hook is a collection of intersecting faces and present a challenge. It's not my model, but I'd be inclined to completely remove that feature, or remove most of it and add a simple cylinder to attach it to the model.</p>
<p>There are programs other than Meshmixer which will allow one to perform such manual repairs/modifications, but my skill set does not include presenting the answer for those packages.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-30T09:52:28.403Z
Good answer, I'll provide one how to do it in Blender later the evening
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-30T09:34:04.097Z
2020-09-30T09:34:04.097Z
fred_dot_u
<p>I am using an AnyCubic Photon Resin Printer. I have used the (<a href="https://wowmodelviewer.net" rel="nofollow noreferrer">WoW model viewer</a> to export a miniture that I am hoping to 3D print.</p>
<p>However, when I look at the model in photon workshop, certain parts appear in a different colour, and those parts are printing incorrectly on the final version. For example, if you look at the model below the headpiece feathers printed as a solid block all the way to the base of the model.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/OnmjT.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/OnmjT.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/UiLiX.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/UiLiX.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Looking at the slicing file, this is what photon workshop exported. I believe the issue may be that, because these are models deisigned for games and not 3d printing, they have only one surface and what I am looking at in Blue is what the photon workshop considers to be the inside of the model. Would ye be able to recommend any steps that I could do to adjust the models to allow them be 3D printed?</p>
<p><a href="https://mega.nz/file/p6I00JZK#qhQplzOTh6w7yZxbGw2vtRRKc-iVDp_QHOvaWfPtULs" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://mega.nz/file/p6I00JZK#qhQplzOTh6w7yZxbGw2vtRRKc-iVDp_QHOvaWfPtULs</a></p>
<p>The above link is the object as exported from WoW Model viewer.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-29T17:25:23.600Z
Can you link a model or part of it so I can test it a little in different program?
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-29T21:02:19.940Z
Hi Trish,

I've a mega.nz link included on the ticket, but if that doesn't work for you let me know. Many thanks for taking the time to look at my question, I appreciate it.
Devasta
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-30T01:33:54.140Z
Likely some of the surfaces are inside-out and the game doesn't care but the slicer does.
R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE
<3d-models><software><resin>
How to fix WoW models in photon workshop
Devasta
# How to fix WoW models in photon workshop

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-09-29)

I am using an AnyCubic Photon Resin Printer. I have used the ([WoW model viewer](https://wowmodelviewer.net) to export a miniture that I am hoping to 3D print.

However, when I look at the model in photon workshop, certain parts appear in a different colour, and those parts are printing incorrectly on the final version. For example, if you look at the model below the headpiece feathers printed as a solid block all the way to the base of the model.

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/OnmjT.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/OnmjT.png)[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/UiLiX.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/UiLiX.png)

Looking at the slicing file, this is what photon workshop exported. I believe the issue may be that, because these are models deisigned for games and not 3d printing, they have only one surface and what I am looking at in Blue is what the photon workshop considers to be the inside of the model. Would ye be able to recommend any steps that I could do to adjust the models to allow them be 3D printed?

<https://mega.nz/file/p6I00JZK#qhQplzOTh6w7yZxbGw2vtRRKc-iVDp_QHOvaWfPtULs>

The above link is the object as exported from WoW Model viewer.

**Tags:** 3d-models, software, resin

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Can you link a model or part of it so I can test it a little in different program?  
> **username_0**: Hi username_1,  I've a mega.nz link included on the ticket, but if that doesn't work for you let me know. Many thanks for taking the time to look at my question, I appreciate it.  
> **username_2**: Likely some of the surfaces are inside-out and the game doesn't care but the slicer does.  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-09-30. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

First of all, Fred's answer is very well but some more items to note, and a different way to fix them using blender.

After opening blender, deleting the box with `entf` and importing the `Wavefront .obj`, I changed to edit mode and started inspecting the colored areas for artifacts and what they were.

## Layered surface only areas

The top feathers are made up from 3 layers of surfaces:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/anUKv.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/anUKv.png)

This could be easily fixed by removing the middle layer, then connecting the front and back with new faces. In investigating this I also noted, that many of the faces actually are unconnected, so we fix that first, running a Merge intersecting vertices: `rightclick` -> `Merge Vertices` -> `By Distance`. Then, all the lines are blue - this means, that the lines are determined as "sharp edges" so we change to edge select, `A`, then `rightclick` -> `clear sharp`. Much better. Now, select the vertices in between the front and back, and delete them via `entf`.

After that work-over, the area looks like this:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/S8Fcy.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/S8Fcy.png)

So, next is re-skinning those edges. Select the remaining edges on the outside in pairs, then `F` to create a face between them, rinse, and repeat. But that does not yet solve the facing issue, because the faces are an odd gradient, not pure color, and as is evident, all the normals ([activate them via a menu](https://www.katsbits.com/codex/show-normals/)):

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/DGL9R.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/DGL9R.png)

All normals are messed up! so we need to recalculate them. Recalculating them is `A` till everything is selected, then `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N`, and voila, that area is reworked to a good part:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/mlbLO.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/mlbLO.png)

Now, we are going to export the file as `.stl`: even though Cura can take `.obj`, it has trouble to analyze those for facing properly at times. So let's look if we fixed that area alright... and in Cura now looks like this (OBJ left, STL right):

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/tcEBN.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/tcEBN.png)

However, as I will show later, this is the work-intensive way, so don't really bother with those areas, we'll fix them all at once later.

## Single surface only areas

Next, the shoulder details. Those are also one surface only, so we need to give them some heft. I am talking these (grey) ones:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/TY6pG.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/TY6pG.png)

I hid the bulk of the model (the selected, orange parts) first using `H` so it is more visible. Then I selected the upper 'wing', then pressed `E` for extrude. Type in `.01` to define that thickness as how much it should extrude it out. Repeat for the other part. `ALT`+`H` to unhide the parts we had hidden before and Voila:
[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/YwWKC.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/YwWKC.png)

However, the newly thickened parts did not intersect the body properly yet, so we need to fix that a little, as seen here:
[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/eC3tV.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/eC3tV.png)

So, select the area we need to fix and `E` for Extrude. Slowly pull till the two parts intersect neatly:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/3sMa1.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/3sMa1.png)

## floating details

Next step: the floating gem in front of the head!

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/gr44G.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/gr44G.png)

Here fixing gets tricky. We might either just delete the crystal and print it separately and fix it with a little piece of wire later, or we need to create a strut. So, let's do the latter! We select the edges on the backside of the crystal like so...

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/WAfdL.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/WAfdL.png)

`rightclick` -> `Subdivide` and then in the lower left corner set it to 2:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/htA77.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/htA77.png)

Select the center and `E`xtrude

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/BEzGG.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/BEzGG.png)

Keep the area selected and `G` for moving it down into the head, till we are happy with the look:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/QRRWQ.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/QRRWQ.png)

## superfluous surfaces

Then there are some areas that contain "extra" surfaces, those can be deleted, such as this rectangular one and this feather inside the arm:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/cCi5t.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/cCi5t.png)
[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/GWk6F.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/GWk6F.png)

## Fixng most surface only areas

Another problematic area is the facemask, which is only a single layer, but wrapped around the face it is a little more tricky to extrude:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/vfeBh.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/vfeBh.png)

This area can be fixed by running a solidify operation, which also makes fixing the feathers individually obsolete! So, how to run solidify?

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/k7xzZ.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/k7xzZ.png)
On the right bar, click the wrench, in the dropdown choose solidify, set the thickness to 0.01 and... voila! Mostly fixed... well, we need to fix a few normals, as you'll see here:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/XQW0R.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/XQW0R.png)
so, let's select everything with `A`, then recalculate normals with `CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`N`, make sure that inside is not checked in the lower right corner, so the modeled surface is on the outside shell... and we are DONE! Export as STL or OBJ and go to test it!

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/lbQBH.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/lbQBH.png)

## Check in Cura

Now, to check if we still have reversed surfaces, I imported into Acura and... all the red areas (overhangs) are where they belong: on the underside! So... yep, we are done. Make sure to have the unify intersecting shells option on. You also might want to add some more struts for floating shoulder armor and such... It's a labor intensive work, but in the end you'll have a printable object.

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/3AjEK.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/3AjEK.png)

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: I've upvoted this answer, for the level of completeness it represents. I'd love to have half the understanding of Blender that username_1 provides in these answers.  
> **username_0**: Many thanks for your answer username_1. I've made some progress fixing the model, though still having some issues. Blender seems to be the way to go though, so I am going to learn how that works before proceeding with more fixes. Thanks for your help!  
> **username_1**: @username_0 Blender is a very powerful software, but it's UI is not the most intuitive. It has gotten VERY much better since I started dabbling with it some 5 years ago.  
> **username_0**: Too right about that. I'm going looking at nightcourses and/or Udemy. Have some holidays to take... :)  
> **username_1**: @username_0 Youtube and various learning platforms have tutorials, some streamers even do Q&A on blender.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2020-09-30. Score: 3

I believe you've identified the primary problem with this model. The single surface features are going to interfere with printing this object.

[![reversed normals image](https://i.sstatic.net/w3l7o.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/w3l7o.png)

The image above is the result of loading the model into Autodesk Netfabb. The red segments are reversed normals, but also single surface components. There are others, visible when rotating the model.

One portion is uncertain, above the flap on the back. It could be a component of the flap or a reversed normal of the body's back.

To resolve this problem, it would be necessary to add thickness to those features.

I loaded the model into Meshmixer and identified one feature, the rear flap. It's loaded with reversed normals when viewed from the "outside" or rear of the model.

Using the select tool, it was easy enough to highlight those triangles and proceed to Edit, flip normals. That was followed by Edit, Extrude, to a thickness of -0.02 mm which presented this result:

[![thickness flap](https://i.sstatic.net/riAVL.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/riAVL.png)

There are a few "floating" features in the model. One which pops out is over the protective garb over the shoulder. Those would have to be anchored by adding features or moving that specific feature to properly intersect the body.

There are a few others, zero thickness portions that resemble solar panels. I suspect they are artifacts rather than intentional model features. Those can be removed in Meshmixer using a similar method, Select, Edit, Delete

The hanging hook is a collection of intersecting faces and present a challenge. It's not my model, but I'd be inclined to completely remove that feature, or remove most of it and add a simple cylinder to attach it to the model.

There are programs other than Meshmixer which will allow one to perform such manual repairs/modifications, but my skill set does not include presenting the answer for those packages.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Good answer, I'll provide one how to do it in Blender later the evening  

---

