I know theres a number of different “rapid prototyping sytems” out there, but some are extremely expensive. I just submitted my second model for a quote to be printed, just for fun.
From what I can see is have your model as detailed as possible. If theres too much detail the printer wont be able to fully define the areas but its better than having an under detailed model. Most printers can print, give or take, the thickness of a piece of paper.
The method Im looking into having a model made up in uses a “build powder” (www.3darttopart.com). They have a lot of info there that could probably be used with other methods, such as the light reactive plastic modeling. Dont quote me on this but, the build powder method is more granular and less capable of showing extremely fine highly detailed areas, compared to a plastic method.
I have seen models that werent subdivided enough and you could see the flats of the polys throughout the model. I believe all of the printers print in layers starting at the bottom, which is why the model can be so highly detailed and elobrate.
I should think making the model smooth with a high poly count is good that way its capable of pulling out all of the detail.
Like I said, Im looking into getting a model made up and Ive read a bit on this but I dont know a whole lot, asking the company would probably be a good idea.
If you could, post a picture of the finished printed model! Wed love to see it!
