Downloading and 3D-Printing a 3MF file

Simplify3D, Prusa Slicer and Creality Print opening three different 3MF models digitalfire.com. Rotating, panning, zooming, duplicating, mirroring, place-on-face, positioning, slice-previewing, infill, support and overhang threshhold, brimming, generating a G-Code file for printing and printing direct.

E. Processes

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Our wish is that this video removes a few barriers that might have been preventing you from investigating the use of 3D design and printing in your ceramic practice. Don’t miss out on the potential by being overwhelmed; just take it a step at a time, solving each obstacle in your path as it arises.

1
A "Slicer" is, as its name suggests, an app that slices up a virtual object so a 3D printer can print it layer-by-layer. This is a 3MF format file of a "Case Mold" for a handle. It was created by "Cad design" software Fusion three sixty. The 3MF format has many advantages over traditional STL files. I'll open this one in "Simplify3D", it is a paid special purpose slicer. Like others that come free with 3D printer hardware, it can rotate, zoom and pan using the mouse. And, it can dissect, combine and resize objects. Here is an example of how it can duplicate and reflect an object. If you use this slicer you likely won't need any further instruction.

2
Let’s use Prusa slicer to open the 3D model of a melt fluidity tester that I have downloaded. There are some details to be careful about.

First, I’ll make sure support is turned on and the “overhang threshold” is set to 35 degrees (printers these days can handle extreme overhangs). Now, let’s go to Preview. Support is being generated in front - even though this was drawn with a 37-degree angle to avoid it.

3
Second, there is a problem at the back. It is not sitting flat on the bed. In "Editor mode", I’ll use the “Place on Face” tool to fix that. Now, let's go back to Preview to reslice it.
That has fixed both issues. Back in Edit mode, I’ll press Escape to turn off the Placer tool.
Third, let's go to Preview mode and move this slider.
Notice that infill is being generated. But it is not needed. Let’s turn it off in the print settings by changing the fill density to zero. After re-slicing, it is hollow and ready to print.

4
After making sure I have the right printer configuration selected I’ll choose "Export" from the File menu. Using the "Export G-code" option I'll give the file a name, and save.
There are many ways to send this to the printer. The most basic is to copy the file to a memory stick and insert that into the printer. Later you can learn to use your slicer's ability to connect to your printer directly over WiFi.

5
Now let’s open a file that contains multiple objects. Notice it asks me how I want to open it. I’ll tell it I want the 3D models. Then it asks if I want to load all the objects as one, I’ll answer no.
I obviously cannot print all of these at once. To "unselect all" in this slicer I shift-click outside of them. Now, I can proceed as before, positioning each object on the bed, orienting it and configuring the infill and support.
This object is hollow and open, with no extreme overhangs. So the slicer realizes that it does not need to print support.
However there are a couple of new issues with the other two:
For example, look under this object: Notice it does need support. I’ll move it to the print bed and go to Preview mode to ensure the slicer does realize this need.
This object has a special need - a brim. That is because its area of contact with the print bed is inadequate, it could release during printing. I’ll set a brim at 3mm wide outside and enter a zero separation gap to make sure it holds on well.
The preview ensures that it is working.

6
Other popular printer brands have their own slicers. This is "Creality Print".
Its "Prepare Panel" corresponds to the Prusa Editor Panel. It also has a Lay-on-Face tool.
Rotating and panning have different mouse-key combinations than Prusa slicer.
The controls we already talked about are here on the right.
Support panel-four has the checkbox to enable and disable support.
Strength panel-two is where you find Infill settings.
Other Settings panel-five, under "Bed adhesion", is where you choose the "brim type".
This slicer enables these settings to be global or just for the selected object. For example, I can print these two at the same time, turning on a brim for this one, but not this one.
While this slicer can export to a G-Code file, its Device Panel can be used to connect a printer, initiate a print and monitor it with data and camera. Most other systems have similar functionality.

3MF vs STL vs OBJ files for 3D printing

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Shown here are Creality Slicer, Prusa Slicer and Simplify 3D. Each of these can import STL, OBJ and 3MF files. Each permits resizing, rotating, reflecting and duplicating individual items and can efficiently place and space multiple items and groups. Each saves or exports as 3MF files. On the right is the Fusion 360 print dialog where I can choose which slicer and which format to send.

OBJ files were introduced in 1980 for visual rendering (e.g. animation, gaming, special effects). Files store surface geometry as interconnected triangles and define surface textures, materials and colors. These features were overkill for early 3D printers.

STL (Stereolithography) files were developed in 1987 by 3D Systems specifically for CAD and 3D printing, having a single focus on geometry. They were simple and computationally efficient (and also unitless like OBJ, assuming mm). STLs permitted only one object. They dominated early 3D printing processes (FDM, SLA, SLS), where color or texture was irrelevant and provided a simple standard for industry growth. However, modern printers can now do color, texture and multi-material, thus...

3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) files were introduced in 2015 specifically for more advanced 3D printing. To OBJ they add object orientation, units, printing instructions and meta information. Objects in 3MF files can be manipulated separately in the slicer.

All three formats are generated by modern CAD software (for handoff to a slicer app). 3MF is the preferred one.

3D is not too complicated!

Download and print something to see.

This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.

3D design and printing is so valuable in ceramics that we can't stop pushing it. Here is how one goes about 3D printing a 3MF model file downloaded from this site. Why 3MF? Unlike the much older STL format, it enables multiple objects, units of measure and meta information. If you are on the page hosting this image, there is a link to the five-minute tutorial video at the bottom.

By Tony Hansen
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