Flags of the World

I have created a series of world flags as a fun project that really demonstrates the use of the 3D printer in a unique capacity of graphics printing combined with custom physical shapes. Now I know… as many people have told me, you can get graphics, signs and flags from tons of places and in all sorts of forms. But isn’t it awesome that we can also print them at home with our printers? The print quality is fantastic and it makes yet another fun way to put our printers to work.

These flags, luggage tags, and key tags can be coloured however you like.  All models are double-sided like a flag.  Of course, you need an AMS to print in multiple colours.  

I anticipate I will eventually post more flags, but if you are interested in a specific flag not already posted, please send me a message and I will prioritize it.

Most flags are 4 colours or less but a few have more colours and can not be printed on a 4-colour AMS.  However, you may be able to reduce the number of colours for your country.

All flags can be printed in whatever colours you choose.  For example, the grey-on-black or black-on-white options is up to you.

Small details on the key chain tag and luggage tag may not print well using a 0.4mm nozzle.  In that case, you can use a smaller nozzle and or scale up the model.  Please see my notes about scaling the models.

SCALING NOTES

When scaling the models be sure to do a non-uniform scale of just x and y.  Do not scale the Z-axis.  If you want to scale z, only scale it bigger and in multiples of your print layer height (which should be 0.2mm).

HOW TO PRINT

1. Import the model into your slicer.
2. Without disturbing the model, change the colour of each model object or component to your desired colour.
3. Group or merge the objects so that they do not shift or become misaligned.
4. Now you can scale, flip, and rotate if desired.

GENERAL NOTES

1. All of my flag models are designed based on each country’s official flag ratio.
2. An AMS is required to print these colour models.  Some flags have more than 4 colours.  
3. The models are designed for a 0.2mm layer height.
4. The height of all models is 1.6mm.  
5. The flag, luggage tag and key tag widths are all standardized to the following dimensions:

• Flag 240mm
• Tag 100mm
• Key 50mm

1. You can scale all the models as desired but be sure to group or merge the components of each model first before scaling, and only use non-uniform scaling; only scale x and y, do not scale z.
2. Each flag model has only 1 object or component for each colour allowing you to set the colors in your slicer very easily.  However, this will cause some slicer messages that you should be aware of.  See the “Slicer Error” notes below.
3. Small detailed flags might not be printable using a 0.4mm nozzle.  
4. Some flags have been simplified to make them more printable.  

IMPORTING TO YOUR SLICER

When Importing the file to your slicer, answer as indicated if you are asked any of the following questions…

Anycubic —————

“This file contains several objects positioned at multiple heights Instead of considering them as multiple objects, should the file be loaded as a single object having multiple parts?”  = NO (this keeps the parts located together)

“The dimensions of some objects from the file _____ seem to be defined in inches.  The internal unit of the program is a millimetre.  Do you want to recalculate the dimensions of these objects?”  = NO

OrcaSlicer —————

“The object from file ______ is too small and may be in meters or inches.  Do you want to scale to millimetres?” = NO

Bambu —————

“The object from file ______ is too small and may be in meters or inches.  Do you want to scale to millimetres?” = NO

SLICER ERRORS

I have used a design technique that allows all the objects in each model (flag) to be grouped and separated by a middle layer for strength.  This grouping allows you to easily set and change the model’s component’s colours.  However, this design approach will result in some slicer warnings and errors.  You can safely ignore the following warnings and errors when slicing this flag model:

• tool path conflict
• shared path
• unsupported runs

Below are specific errors for a few different slicers are shown here, you can ignore these errors when printing this flag model.

Anycubic —————

• “Error: Conflicts in G-code paths have been detected…” = IGNORE
• “Warning: Empty layer between…” = IGNORE
• “Warning: Detected print stability issues” = INGORE

OrcaSlicer —————

• “The object has empty layers between…” = IGNORE
• “____ is too close to others; there may be a collision when printing.” = IGNORE

Bambu —————

• “Warning: Objects can’t be printed for empty layer between…” = IGNORE
• “Warning: It seems object ____ has floating regions…” = IGNORE

This project was and is a lot of files to manage.  if you have any issues with a downloaded file, please let me know and I will address it.

Printing

Thin graphics designs such as this one generally will work well with your default slicer settings.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height and the following settings:

• Wall Line Count (minimum) = 2 ( 2 x 0.4mm = 0.8mm walls )
• Top & Bottom Layer Count (minimum) = 3 ( 3 x 0.2mm = 0.6mm top & bottom )
• Infill = Not applicable
• Ironing = Optional (not needed)
• Support = None required
• Brim = NO
• MATERIAL: PLA (or ASA for outdoor use and increased life expectancy)

Assembly Notes

No assembly or post-print processing is required.