The quick choice: prepared 3MF first, STL when needed
For a Bobble Studio pencil topper, use the prepared head.3mf if your slicer accepts 3MF. It records the model’s dimensions in millimetres. Use head.stl if your slicer or print service asks for STL, and confirm the imported size is in millimetres.
| Download | Use it for | Check before printing |
|---|---|---|
| Prepared 3MF | The fitted head or the set of fit samples | Your printer profile, supports and layer preview |
| Prepared STL | An individual head or fit sample as a mesh | Millimetres and dimensions, then your slicing settings |
| Original GLB | Inspecting the generated 3D model and its texture | It has not had your pencil socket prepared |
For the small fit test, the 3MF keeps the separate samples together. If you need one sample, use its individual STL from the kit. Once you have a successful fit, download the head prepared with those same settings.
A 3MF is not always a complete printer project
The 3MF format can store more than a mesh, including units and additional model information. Some slicers also use it to save complete projects with settings. That does not mean every 3MF includes settings for your printer.
Bobble’s exports contain model geometry, not ready-to-run printer instructions or a tuned printer profile. Import them as models, select your own machine and material, check orientation and supports, and slice them yourself. If a slicer offers a choice between opening a project and importing geometry, choose the model import for these files.
See the 3MF Consortium’s format FAQ for the format’s capabilities, and Prusa’s model-import guidance for an example of this distinction in a slicer.
Why the colourful preview does not become a coloured print
The original GLB can carry a colour texture: image information placed over the 3D surface. A printer needs physical geometry and a manufacturing process, so a texture on screen is not the same as separate, printable colour regions.
Bobble’s fitted STL and 3MF exports are geometry for printing. They don’t automatically produce the colour preview on a multi-colour printer. A single-filament print takes the colour of that filament. You can paint the finished head, or plan your own colour workflow in compatible tools.
Before downloading, switch the viewer to Sculpt. This removes the texture and helps you assess the shape that the printing process will reproduce. Changing STL to 3MF won’t add facial geometry that was only present in the texture.
Four checks before you send the print
- Dimensions: compare the imported size with the kit report. Keep a tested socket at 100% scale.
- Printer and material: select your own machine, nozzle and filament profile.
- Supports: inspect the chin, hair, ears and any glasses. Avoid facial contact points where practical.
- Layer preview: look for missing thin features, unsupported areas or material blocking the socket.
To change head size while keeping the socket dimensions, resize in the studio and export again. Then follow the printing guide for the first test on your equipment.
You can practise with the free sample 3MF files before purchasing a generation.