Method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-dimensional models when printing at varying scales

An apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a 3-D cueing model comprising:

• a computer having one or more processors and further comprising:
• a 3-D model creation module for extracting structural features from an original scale 3-D model, wherein the structural features provide detail relating to the original scale 3-D model, grouping the extracted structural features so as to form a 3-D cueing model, and associating the original scale 3-D model with the 3-D cueing model for use together when printing;
• and
• a 3-D printing module for creating a test model from the original scale 3-D model, extracting structural features from the test model, adjusting the test model based on a comparison of the extracted structural features from the test model to the extracted structural features in the 3-D cueing model, and providing the adjusted test model as a 3-D model for printing.

A non-transient computer readable medium for storing computer instructions that, when executed by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to perform a method for preserving structural integrity of an original scale 3-D model when printing at varying scales, by use of a 3-D cueing model comprising:

• extracting structural features from an original scale 3-D model, wherein the structural features provide detail relating to the original 3-D model;
• grouping the extracted structural features so as to form a 3-D cueing model;
• and
• associating the original scale 3-D model with the 3-D cueing model for use together when printing.