Models
"A model" is the atomic unit of Plaza, and represents "everything you need to print the thing", which is usually some subset of the following:
- Parts: one or more exported 3D files (stl, obj, 3mf)
- Images: a cover image, assembly instructions, example photos
- Support configuration: for each of the parts, an associated support configuration (lys, chitu)
- Print-ready: For so-called "pre-supported models", for each support configuration, a rendered supported file, often STL (but could be 3mf or obj)
There are 3 common patterns for models:
- Single: Single file to produce a single result (eg a monopose hero character)
- Multipart: Multiple files, which combine to produce a result in a single configuration (eg a statue split in multiple parts for print and assembly)
- Variable part: Multiple files which combine to produce a result in multiple configurations (eg troop figures with 4 heads, 3 torsos, 2 legs; assemble as you like)
Additionally, there's a common pattern for terrain and bases:
- Model group: Multiple files, which are related but produce individual results (eg a collection of differently sized cobblestone bases)
Creating a new model
Drag & drop files into the new model page to assign images and assets to the model. Both model name and description are indexed as part of the search, so we recommend keeping the model name shorter, and putting your keywords into the description.
Additionally, every model should have a minimum of 3 attributes from 3 different categories for it to be found best via the shop filter.
If you want this model to be available for sale on the storefront, set the visibility to "Listed", if you want it to be hidden, set the visibility to "Unlisted".
A price of US$0 will allow the model to be added to a customer's library for free, and other values for prices will be chargable. The minimum paid-model price of a model is US$0.99.
To speed up configuration of new models, you can drop a special "model.md" file looks like following:
---
name: Test model
brandidentifier: "cbi-001"
currentversion: "20240101"
attr:
- hardware: resin 3d printer
- scale: 28mm
- support: support free
price: 2.99
visibility: listed
---
This model is a cool rubber duck, for bath time! Don't use water washable resin for this one.
This will preconfigure the fields in the model. In general, if all your model files, images and model.md file are contained in the same folder, dragging and dropping the whole folder will result in a completely configured model ready to addy.
If this model is intended to be for sale, we recommend ensuring it follows the guidelines for sale in the Products section.
Editing an existing model
Models cannot currently be deleted, but may be unlisted if you don't wish to have them visible on the storefront.
Once the model has been allocated to a customer (via purchase or distribution), there are some limits to the changes that are available, to ensure customers don't lose access to things they already own. It is possible to replace an asset with a new one, and add new assets, but deleting assets is more limited.
Selling a model
If the model's storefront visibility is set to "Listed", the model is available for sale at the set price.
Please note that "Digital Products" are a special category under UK consumer law, and they must be:
- Of satisfactory quality
- Fit for a particular purpose
- As described by the seller
So in order for us to defend refund requests, you need to:
- Ensure the model is in the correct categories with correct tags.
- Test print your models before creating a product.
- Show a picture of the printed model as well as a render.
- Describe what steps you took to create the printed model.
Describing how the printed model was created
- What type of printer have you tried to print this on? (FDM, resin, both?)
- Any support gotchas that people need to know about?
- Any special model orientation that helps get the best result when printed?
- Any parts of the sculpt that are designed to be cut or trimmed?
- Any limitations on scaling that you're aware of?