Printing large objects

[JEBariffic]

Greetings!

I'm researching 3d printing and wondering if there is a way to create / print objects larger than what a printer would produce in a single print? In other words, if my printer is capable of producing a six inch object, could I design a 12 inch object in a program like sketchup, then somehow split that object into two 6 inch objects to be printed in two jobs (and glued or otherwise merged together)?

I think the key to this is being able to split the object into printable "chunks" using the design software without having to actually design the object in pieces. But perhaps thats the only way to do it.

Hope that makes sense. Appreciate any insights.

[Timaz]

This works well:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35834

Otherwise I usually just cut the stl in Netfabb. That being said, designing it to print in multiple pieces will yield the highest quality results, as shown here: https://www.ultimaker.com/blogs/news...ign-philosophy

[Serena]

Here's a really good tutorial using free software, Netfabb Basic. I found it helpful.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S5j5cXgybCk

[JohnA136]

Here is a larger than life bust that was printed in roughly 4" cubed chunks. It was a project in cooperation where pieces were printed by people all over and then assembled. Not sure what software the originator used to break it up but the results were amazing.

IMG_3940.jpg IMG_3939.jpg

[JEBariffic]

Netfabb is exactly what I had in mind. Thank you Timaz and Serena.