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3D Geometry Repair

10 Ways to Optimize 3D Print Results with TransMagic (Page 2 of 2)

7. Part orientation can be critical in 3D printing.

Figure 4: Part rotated to optimize 3D printing result (for positioning inserts, living hinges, etc.

For example, inserts should be positioned in such a way that the printing process can continue once the insert has been added to the part so that the insert will not get in the way of the printing tip, and living hinges should be built so that they are part of a series of contours connected to the main body of the part. Precise Positioning allows the user to rotate the part into an optimal angular orientation prior to writing the STL file (see figure 4).

8. Part Scaling:

3D printing has many different uses, such as checking fit, function, ergonomics, esthetics, etc. Sometimes the prototype part needs to be smaller or larger than designed. Maybe the full-sized prototype will not fit within the 3D printer’s build size, or it may take longer than desired to test fit, form and function. If you are trying to optimize the overall part height so that it can be produced with near-perfect accuracy in the z-axis. TransMagic products offer Part Scaling to accommodate these needs and scale CAD or polygonal geometry. TransMagic Expert provides advanced features to scale parts non-uniformly.

9. Part Simplification:

Figure 5: TransMagic can remove features and make the model watertight.

Sometimes parts need to be simplified by removing features before printing. For example, it may be desirable to remove holes from the model, so they can be placed with high precision in a post process. The MagicHeal Add-on offers an advanced toolset to that can be used to remove features such as holes and bosses, and then, more importantly, repair the geometry so it is watertight. This can be a powerful simplification or modification tool.

10. Unite or subtract geometric shapes: TransMagic can create molds by subtracting one 3D shape from a block and then scaling the new mold to allow for shrinkage factors.

If you want to print a package design for a new product (part or assembly), the product design assembly can first be united into a single part, subtracted from a package block, then scaled to allow for shrinkage or loose fitting. TransMagic can create a perfect negative for the finished assembly packaging. Or you may want to subtract geometry from a thick wall in order to create a sparse or honeycomb fill, which will shave part material, weight, and print time from your design. TransMagic’s Boolean Unite and Subtract functionality allows you to A) unite several parts or an entire assembly into a single part, and B) use parts and blocks as bodies to subtract geometry from other parts.

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