Thinking about overhangs and flat bases

This project will present fewer challenges in regard to wall thickness and detail height. Nonetheless, we will still want to take a moment to think about design considerations, particularly if we are expecting to print this at home on an FFF/FDM or SLA printer. First, you'll want to reflect on how this model will be oriented on the printer. As we discussed in Chapter 1, Thinking About Design Requirements, flat bases are optimal for FFF/FDM printers.

Looking over pictures of my youngest son's hand, I think the best place to plan on a flat base is the cross-section at the wrist. That'll mean the print will start at the wrist and grow upward toward the tips of the fingers:

The wrist will print directly on the bed and the hand will grow upward.

Once you know where bottom of the print is, you can think about the overhangs and...