Printing 3D Models

You can use the Print 3D feature to preview how your model fits in the envelope of a 3D printer. You can select a printer from the list of configured printers, then size and position the model to preview how it best fits within the printer's build envelope.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Complete your model so that you can preview its position in a 3D printer before sending it for printing.
Note: Use the Hide feature in the Design Manager tree to remove objects you do not want printed.

Build Envelope Settings

You can view the model in the build envelope of the 3D printer and customize the position for the best fit.

  1. From the Tools section of the action bar, click Print 3D .
  2. From the Settings tab, in the Envelope menu:

    This specifies the size of the build envelope based on the printer's capability. The menu includes any previously added 3D printers or user-defined envelope sizes. Select a 3D printer, defined envelope size, or add a new printer.

    • Add Printer. In the Add Printer dialog box, select one of the following.
      Add Printer Option Description
      Print to a Cloud Printer Enter a printer code provided by the 3D printer accessible in your collaborative space.
      Customize printer envelope for evaluation Select this option to specify the size of a 3D printer's build envelope.

      Use the following controls to specify the build envelope's size.

      • X. Adjusts the size of the build envelope along the X axis.
      • Y. Adjusts the size of the build envelope along the Y axis.
      • Z. Adjusts the size of the build envelope along the Z axis.

      Select the type of printing technology from the menu.

      Provide a name for this customized printer.
      Select printer from library Select a 3D printer from a library of 3D printers to specify the manufacturer and technology. The build envelope size displays.

      • Select printer manufacturer menu lists the 3D printer manufacturers included in the library.
      • Select printing technology menu lists the printing technologies available with the selected manufacturer.
      • Select printer menu lists the available printers with the previous selections.

    • Remove Printer. Removes the configured printer (build envelope) you have previously added.
  3. In the Base field, select a reference plane or a face on your model to be used as the bottom plane in the 3D printer's build envelope.

    Inspect the orientation and position of the model in the build envelope.

  4. Use the following options to move the model in the build envelope for better positioning.

    You can move components by selecting the component in the 3D area or the tree, and drag them using the Robot. Dragging components ignores all mates applied to the components.

    OptionDescription
    Offset to geometry Click Offset to geometry to automatically offset the model from the selected Base, to fit the envelope.
    Offset to geometry - off

    Offset to geometry - on
    Orient model to fit envelope When Orient model to fit envelope is not selected, drag the sliders to move and rotate the model in the build envelope.
    • Drag the Position on X axis slider to move the model in the build envelope along the X axis.
    • Drag the Position on Y axis slider to move the model in the build envelope along the Y axis.
    • Drag the Angle on XY plane slider to rotate the model on the XY plane inside the build envelope.
    Orient model to fit envelope Click Orient model to fit envelope to automatically orient the model to fit the envelope.
    Scale model to fit envelope Click Scale model to fit envelope to automatically size your model to the boundaries of the build envelope.

    When Scale model to fit envelope is not selected, enter a value in the Scale field.
  5. Click the Layout tab to select geometries to exclude from the print envelope.

    Important: Only components can be moved or excluded. Bodies cannot be excluded.

    1. Make sure the Items to exclude field is highlighted and select the components to remove from the 3D area or the tree.
    2. If your 3D printer is a powder bed fusion 3D printer, click Auto-orient. This option displays only with powder bed fusion 3D printers.

      You might need to reposition the model after the new powder bed fusion orientation. Use the options in the Settings tab.

    3. Optional: If you have moved components in the envelope and want to put them back in their original position, click Reset Layout .
  6. Click the Analysis tab to view the layer and support printing options.
    OptionDescription
    Show layers Click Show layers to view the projected layers in the model.

    Seek layering specifications from the 3D printer manufacturer.
    Show areas that need support Click Show areas that need suport to identify areas in the model that need support in the build envelope.
    • Type the Support threshold angle to use for supporting the model in the build envelope.
    • Click the Color sample to change the color used to display where support is required.
    Show check results Click Show check results to view potential problem areas while printing the model.
    • Click Clearance to identify areas in the model that are too close together to print. Type the Minimum tool clearance value for the 3D printer. Seek the clearance requirements from the 3D printer manufacturer.
    • Click Thin walls to identify areas in the model that are too thin to print. Type the Minimum wall thickness value in the text field. Seek the minimum wall thickness requirements from the 3D printer manufacturer.
    • Click Closed cavities to identify hollow pockets and enclosed cavities in your model. The preview turns transparent, exposing any inside cavities.
  7. Click Export Print Format to save the preview on your local system.
    The Print 3D dialog box closes and the Export dialog box opens, see Exporting Geometry.
  8. Click Cancel to end the preview and close the Print 3D dialog box.

Export as File

You can export your model as an .STL file.

  1. From the Tools section of the action bar, click Print 3D .
  2. Complete the envelope Build Envelope Settings for your model.
  3. Click Export Print Format.
    The Print 3D dialog box closes and the Export dialog box opens.
  4. Select the exporting options. For more information, see Exporting Geometry.