How To Convert Model Scales in 3D Printing The scale was mis-calculated on this concrete coping - it's too big An Easy Guide Converting scales in 3D printing software is essential for accurately resizing models.Every 3D printing “Slicing” software I’ve ever used has a really easy way to increase or decrease the size of your model based on the scale you want. You just need to know the percentage (%) amount to scale up or down by.You can also use online tools like the Scale Calculator Find the Original and Target Scales:Identify the original scale (e.g., OO scale at 1:76.2) and the target scale (e.g., HO scale at 1:87)Calculate the “Scaling Factor”Divide the original scale by the new scale:{Scaling Factor} = {Original Scale} / {New Scale}Let’s use the example of converting OO to HOOriginal Scale (OO): 1:76.2New Scale (HO): 1:87Scaling Factor = {76.2} divided by {87} = 0.876note that you only use the last digits, not the number 1 before the :If the scaling factor you end up with after your calculation is less than 1, you’re scaling down; if greater than 1, you’re scaling up.Convert the Scaling Factor to a percentage (%)Multiply the scaling factor by 100:{Scaling Percentage} = {Scaling Factor} times 100 = 87.6%In the popular CURA software, you would use a scaling factor of 87.6% with “Uniform Scaling” enabled.Uniform scaling means that all 3 dimensions of your model will be scaled correctly.Common model scales:N (2mm – 1:152)N (standard – 1:148)HO (3.5mm – 1:87)OO (4mm – 1:76.2)O (USA – 1:48)O (UK – 7mm – 1:43.5)Common conversion factors:OO -> N (1:152) 50.13%OO -> N (1:148) 51.49%OO -> HO (1:87) 87.59%OO -> O (1:48) 158.75%OO -> O (1:43.5) 175.17%Happy 3D Printing !!! Related InformationWhat is the TOPS System?What is the TOPS system? The British Rail TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) is a computerised...Read MoreWhat is the Eras System?What is the Eras system? The UK model railway eras system is a way of...Read MoreWhat is OO Gauge/Scale?What is the difference between OO Gauge and HO Gauge? OO gauge, also known as...Read More Share this:FacebookX