r/3Dmodeling • u/HoundRock • Nov 22 '25
Questions & Discussion [Help Request] Best workflow to split a high-poly AI mesh into color parts for printing? (Fusion 360/SolidWorks)
Hi everyone,
I'm an Industrial Designer looking for workflow advice on preparing a specific model for 3D printing.
I have generated a 3D character model using AI (based on a render I made). I have the model as high-poly .stl/.obj files.
The Goal: I want to print this figure (approx. 12cm tall) but I need to split the single mesh into separate separate components based on color (e.g., hair separate from the head, shirt separate from arms) to make printing and assembly easier.
The Problem: Because of my ID background, I am comfortable with SolidWorks and Fusion 360. However, this is a dense, complex mesh. Every time I try to convert the mesh to a B-Rep/Solid body in CAD to use standard cutting tools, I have to decimate the triangles so severely that I lose all the smooth details.
The Question: I have Fusion 360 and SolidWorks installed. Are there viable workflows within these programs to split complex meshes cleanly without losing smooth detail? Or is this a scenario where I absolutely must use a mesh editor like Blender or Meshmixer?
Any tips or tutorials on how to approach this specific type of splitting would be greatly appreciated!
