The platform automatically performs 3D model optimization during the upload.
Solid Files
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Parametric File Formats
Parametric file format such as “.stp“ and “.iges“ contain surface representations of the a 3D model. Although these types of models contain this representation provides an extremely precise and compact description of the model, they it are not suitable for 3D printing. In this case the Our platform automatically takes care of converting converts surface representations of the model into a triangular meshes , and then proceeds with the mesh optimization.
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Make sure that the surfaces of a single object in your parametric file are joined together before attempting the uploaduploading your file. Conversion may fail otherwise. |
Mesh
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File Formats
A mesh is a triangulated approximation of a 3D surface , and it is a suitable representation for any 3D printer on the market. The most common mesh file formats are “.stl“, “.wrl“ and “.obj“. A mesh file does not require any pre-processing and is immediately suitable for the mesh optimization.
Mesh Optimization
The mesh Mesh optimization will automatically start after the upload of a mesh file or the upload and the conversion of a parametric file.
Goal
Mesh optimization has the ultimate The goal of assuring mesh optimization is to ensure that your file is printable and that the outcome has the best possible quality. The platform will attempt a first optimization step to make sure your model meets the minimal requirements for printability, and then operate starts a second optimization step to improve the surface quality of the final printout.
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Minimum requirements for printability
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The first optimization step makes sure that the minimal minimum requirements for printability are met. |
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Manifoldness or Watertightness:
Manifold meshes are characterized by strong connectivity. In simple words, each triangle of a mesh should be connected to exactly 3 neighbor triangles.
Strong connectivity guarantees that none of the following problems occurs:Holes
Rendundant Redundant triangles
Merged objects
Correct triangle orientation:
Meshes with correct triangle orientation uniquely define the inside and the outside of the object. If this requirement is not met, printers may not be able to correctly distinguish between printing volume and empty space. Triangles with incorrect orientation (in black) may also not be visualized correctly incorrectly by CAD programs.
Requirements for best surface quality:
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Absence of intersections:
For a high quality printout, the volume of each object needs to be uniquely defined, but self intersecting objects may define the same volume multiple times .
Although many printers accept files with self intersections, the surface quality of the final printout may be heavily affectednegatively impacted.