Hi,
I publish topographic maps on Printables and MakerWorld and the maps are very detailed and the 3MF file size can get large (200-400mb) for the larger map models. It seems that Makerworld has total combined models file limit of 250mb and each print profile is limited to 150mb each. Printables has a much larger file limit and I’ve never run into them since individual file limit is higher and there does not seem to be a combined file limit either.
I often cut up the larger maps into puzzle pieces so they can be printed separately and pieced together. So each individual map file may be half or quarter size, but if I create a 3MF with multiple buildplates to make it easy for users to print all pieces of a map, it ends up being the original size since the original map model is divided into multiple build plates in a single 3MF. I could split up each individual map puzzle piece as a separate print profile but that ruins the point of multiple buildplates.
The current MakerWorld file size limits are too low and I think that a higher limit for print profiles close to 500mb would be an improvement to help creators share bigger multi buildplate models rather than create a separate print profile for each map “piece”.
Combined raw model file limit should be increased as well (like 5gb) since creators would be able to to store multiple variations of models (in my case: linear scale, logarithmic scale, dual color, single color, etc) under a single listing to avoid duplicate listings.
Please do not say “just decrease the size of your model”. Due to the nature of creating an accurate topographic map over large areas (such as an entire US state, not just a city scape, decreasing the number of triangles leads to inaccuracy and noticeably worse detail. I’ve tried multiple resolutions and the lowest resolution of 0.1mm is really the lowest the looks best when printing with a 0.4mm nozzle.
The maps I make are also dual color with two interlocking objects (not painted) to represent features like rivers and coasts which also has a bad result when decreasing resolution.
You can take a look at my printables and makerworld listings to see an example of what I mean by large detailed maps.