This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason - that my tools won't disappear in the future - I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project. Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?
Blender has a built in 3d print tools plugin that will repair non-manifold issues with pretty good quality. It's already there but needs enabled in the preferences.
You beat me to it. Mission-critical software should not come from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc., because they can arbitrarily change it, deny access to it, or Heaven forbid, remotely delete it from one's computer.
This is the reason I never default to Microsoft. Open source and not requiring internet access are my choices. What you can't do with FreeCAD, Blender will finish.
Apart from the non-manifold problem fixing, I also find this little minimalist application fantastic for embossing personalizations on round products which I sell. I really hope it does not just suddenly stop working.
Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.
Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.
@@3dpprofessor You can my friend, once you have repaired the model you can right click the model again and Export STL and replace the original file that had the errors
I can't find that in PrusaSlicer, but the "Simplify model" option seems to fix pretty much anything and doesn't lose you much detail if set to "Very high".
@@MrSlipstreem you will only see it if the model needs repairing. I've never experienced that it doesn't show, but needs it and fail the print. Works very well!
orca has a similar repair function, not sure if netfabb - and not sure how well it compares to original or 3dBuilder's (and yes I know Orca is based on blah blah) But it still needs testing to see if it works as well, similar ways, or if it is it's own 'repair' functionality. Heck even importing a calibration Temp Tower reads the model has problem and has to be repaired, so maybe we can use that as the base model, and try in all the different slicers and such.
@@IamMrDisaster FYI, SuperSlicer is a PrusaSlicer derivative... I think I remember this feature as far back as Sli3r Prusa Edition (what eventually turned into PrusaSlicer once they had ported the Slic3r codebase to a different language.)
No matter what I could not download it via Microsoft so had to go to Softonic to download. So true how easy it is to use. Fixed my print. Added text like a dream. Edited my part in a heart beat. Just what the doctor ordered. Easiest software that does exactly what I need and free. Blow your mind amazing. Wish I had found this a year ago for all those failed prints.
I absolutely use this tool for exactly what you stated....fix models that others have sent me that don't want to slice properly. I have also used it to help split models that were too large, or had multiple parts that I only needed 1 piece of. I have also used it to join models that I used to do 3D milling on my CNC. Please don't let them take it away!!
for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D
Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.
Forget Microsoft, the non-manifold problem fixing is available on Repetier for example, and most of the times works perfectly. And it works on Linux, Mac and Windows.
There is a way to still download and install it on Windows 11 "direct" from Microsoft, I uploaded a short detailing the process a couple of weeks ago. You do need a third party website to reveal the download location on MS servers for you, but if you inspect the download it's definitely coming from them. Sucks that they're doing this and I hope as well this doesn't mean the end of 3D builder. It's one of the best tools in a 3D printers toolbox, not only for the repair tool but just as a quick and dirty digital kitbasher it's wonderful. Especially that planar slice tool!
I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.
I used to run a 3D print service at a university library. So many students would send files they made on Sketchup that had so many imperceptible gaps or holes that would literally make the model fall apart in the lye bath that removed the support (yeah, one of those machines). I'd sometimes get lucky with Netfab, but even it couldn't fix some of these things.
@@devinflint5554 Wow! Was that a resin machine? I was always afraid to work with those in the environment in which I worked (a public high school). I had a Deezmaker Bukito, and used PLA. I used Netfab to divide the brain into two parts, each with flat sides so there wouldn't be too much support material. Then I'd glue the two parts together. I did this for a former student of mine who was working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. I now have a Prusa.
I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts. I always thought it had never been Finnish. It's also underrated, not many on here on RUclips ever mention it. I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.
That's what they say, though I wonder if it's the same code lifted from Netfabb that technically Microsoft owns. I hope so, because that means it won't go away.
that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.
Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...
@@3dpprofessor Fusion 360 has all of the meshmixer features in it and repairs meshes very well. I've never had issues with Fusion with the mesh environment.
@@3dpprofessor You can absolutely export the edited mesh in all of these programs. In orca its as simple as selecting the item and exporting the STL. In fusion you select it from bodies and export it as mesh and select STL. Meshmixer also you can export STLs from easy. Or if you prefer you can export the 3mf file, You have 2 options, a generic one that just exports the geometry or a bundle that also shares printer and profile settings.
Oh my god, yes, this was absolutely an indispensable tool for me! In fact it's one of the few things that make me keep a Windows partition around!!! This tool was fantastic for repairing models and making little changes like scaling or rotating models with a snappy, responsive interface! Also, it had a "Settle" feature where it could drop a model and auto rotate it so that it could be as stable as possible again the "floor", which was amazing for weirdly shaped models on Thingiverse not optimized for printing!!! They need to open source this and make it available to everyone on any operating system!!!
I've also generally had better luck with 3D Builder than Meshmixer for repairing models. Maybe it's time for a new video on how to perform similar repairs in Fusion (360) (Personal).
I use the free trial version of Autocad Meshmixer to repair my models, as I occasionally run into a model that Microsoft 3D Builder can't fix. Some of the slicers out there also provide mesh fixing capabilities. Personally, I prefer to model with MS 3D Builder over Tinkercad, as I find I can do more with it, such as importing 2D images to work into a 3D model.
FreeCAD can make STL meshes manifold. I believe Cura can too . 3D builder is like a MS paint enough to be frustrating. I will be happy to do a FREECAD video to demonstrate.
@@3dpprofessor you can't??? All those slicer have an "Export as STL" function for the repaired (and all other models loaded), that should do the Trick. But: is that Windows API still available without 3DBuilder???
Before I got into 3D printing, I considered 3D Builder bloatware that Microsoft was shoving on my computer. Most people don't 3D print and don't need it, so it basically was just added bloat. It's kind of ironic that a program that I once deleted off my new Windows installations ASAP, I now have to actively seek out and jump through hoops to get installed.
There's an archive for old store apps. So you can still download and install it. It's a market place app package though, so you can't just unzip it and run it, you have to install it with a package manager.
Heads up: there is a work around. Onceinasixside posted this short when he discovered the same issue. ruclips.net/user/shortsHp5xb3xgXq4 No idea how long this will work but you can at least get the latest install file and save it somewhere until it gets removed.
I use it for A LOT OF stuff in my 3D adventure, not only for model repairing and while I love it, I think there is quite the room for improvement. If M$ doesn't want it, they should make it open source, I definetely would love to see that, a simple yet powerful tool
@@christianbottger493 open cura click marketplace scroll down to mesh tools click the install button follow the prompts restart cura. In the top menu under extensions there will be mesh tools, in the sub menu it will say fix model normals. Make sure your model is high lighted then select fix model normals works every time
I use 3d Builder extensively. Just used it to assemble primitive shapes to make a rough monkey idol figure, then smooth out the details in meshmixer. The manifold repair is also key. I also use it to slice up stls so they are printable without supports or print in the stringest direction. Bad idea to let this one go. 3d builder, fusion 360 and mesh mixer are my jam.
My suggestion is to keep a Windows 10 laptop around because it was part of the Windows 10 original loadout. You can extract it from the rescue drive as well. I'm glad I found this tool early on and hope that microsoft doesn't remove it via an update. This has happened with native tools before.
I never knew there was fix for this. Thanks for sharing. Can you go into more detail about what is causing the anomaly in the mesh geometry? Will this tool fix non-water-tight STLs too?
I run every model i make or download through 3D builder. Not only does it fix the model, but the save files are also *way* smaller. You can also open some wierd formats and save them as stl, which has saved my bacon a few times.
I use 3D builder all the time. Its remarkable considering how long ago it was developed. Splitting and scaling and just general viewing works so easily mirroring etc etc it'll be a sad day if it becomes unavailable
I did what you have suggested. I'm running windows 11. And tried to get it downloaded. And guess what they have greyed out the get button on the store looks like it is no more available to anyone. I was hoping to try it out over here myself.
I 100% agree with this video...3d Builder for all its simplicity and lack of ability to do much is still my #1 go-to on a daily basis to check & repair files before sending them to my slicer...definitely a huge loss of a fantastic quick-fix tool!
I use this when Lychee slicer fails to fix something. but No idea why there aren't better fixing tools out there or why lychee can detect and but fails to fix, where builder can fix it.
I use 3D builder all the time, its just so handy to make my model manifold. I t is worth a try posting reviews on the download link with the reasons not to kill off this bit if software.
I've used 3D Builder ever since I started 3D printing over 4 years ago. I use it to modify existing STLs and to create other simple models. I don't have the expertise to use Fusion 360 or anything like that, so if 3D Builder was ever removed by Microsoft I would not be happy!
I wonder if it's the same thing. A big part of the way this worked is that it didn't change the underlying mesh more than it needed to. I really liked that. As opposed to some other tools that remesh it.
Interesting. I don't do mesh manipulation in FreeCAD (haven't learned the techniques yet), so my only use of the Mesh Workbench so far has been to export stl files. Though, I've stopped exporting stls and now export step ever since PrusaSlicer started supporting step import. How easy is the Mesh Evaluation to use on FCv1RC2+?
Man; i now understand why it just crashes everytimr i open it; and couldn't find it.. I don't have many errors, when i use blender, and 3d builder together. Kinda went without it because it wasn't really needed so long as i went throigh my 'checklist' of potential errors in my head. Getting back this, software would be nice though. Was amazed at how how user friendly it is, and there is very few options to distract the eye.
REALLY don't like it when Microsoft does this sort of thing - like they "depreciated" the gamebar screen recorder, which was a simple way to grab a video.... *sighs*
It's a handy tool in general when you need to quickly throw something together. I've been experimenting with ABS on PLA raft lately, and at some point I got sick of built in options and decided to just build it into the part. Lifting the model 0.2mm and extruding the bottom surface down in 3D Builder took a minute at most. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it nearly as quickly and efficiently in any other software.
If everyone was on the latest and greatest, that would be true. But I want to reach everyone, including the people using second hand Ender 3s and still using Cura (for some reason).
I think the slicer you were thinking of is Kisslicer. Still kind of around but updates are extremely in frequent. I second you worry over 3d builder. I have also used for a lot of little 3d related chores over the years and it never quite the traction I think it deserved.
I use Bambu Studio and I gets a non-manifold edges or whatever statement usually when I'm cutting a model up in the slicer. I've never downloaded the program you're talking about and I have this option to repair whatever problem this is. I just thought it came standard now and Windows because it says Windows will repair this now. I guess I'm confused when you say you can't download it anymore and it might be going away.
Meshmixer is often unable to automatically fix more complex issues. It's very common that it removes pieces completely from the model instead of repairing them. I've never had any issues with repairing in 3D Builder 🙂
3d builder is much better at it than meshmixer though you get less control of what it is trying to do than you get with meshmixer. That said, I don't think either of them are all that good for complex models and it's often better to use something like the 3d print plugin in Blender. While the Blender plugin is laughable at fixing things it does usefully highlight each vertex or face that has a problem so you can fix it yourself.
I have a Windows 10 copy in a VM (Virtual Machine) that I use SPECIFICALLY for 3D builder under Linux. and like yourself I use it to manifold models or slice up large items thats it. The nice thing about the VM its transferable it ANY machine Win, IOS, -NIX, Solaris, freeBSD.
Microsoft should do the right thing, and donate the algorithm to the open source community. This would go a long way keeping innovation alive. And it would help Microsoft immensely by looking better and less shitty like they already are.
the get box on the "open in microsoft store" is now grey not blue like on your video and it doesn't seem to work. I am glad you pointed this out. Nice to see that prusa slicer might have a fix. Can you check on it and report a video? thank you for your videos.
Bambu Studio seems to send the model to some kind of Windows service for fixing. I *really* hope it's not some sort of core libraries that were also used by 3D Builder and that will also be phased out soon...
@@TheBrain2K I was curious about this yesterday - the service looks like some sort of caching - not necessarily directly related to model repair. My question would be - is that fix capability coming from Bambu, or the underlying Prusa/OrcaSlicer original code-base?
I thought i would download befroe it disappeared from the store, but alas the link isnt on the 3d Builder page of the Store, info on the app is but the link is missing.
I failed to find it to be able to install it, but I did some searching, and found how to download the files to install them (and keep them to install as suits me). Unfortunately, I am hundreds of kilometers away from my computer, so I cannot link my source. However, the point remains that you can find the three install files you would need, and as long as the program will work in Windows, you can ensure that you can install it.
Reason why I have always used a mac. Not being smug but, being a unix system, if Apple kill something, I can just find a unix/linux equivalent and build the ware in the terminal.
I first clicked on the link and the Get button was greyed out, but looking around I found in the MS forums that you need to log in with an account in the store; I did that and was able to download it
@@3dpprofessor Yes, Windows 11 23H2, I logged in with my account to the store and was able to download it; after I logged out and am able to still use it
I didn't know 3d Builder has that function. I've gotten a plethora of models that were non-manifold. Sometimes that is due to the normals needing to be corrected. I've been using the Blender 3d Tool Kit to find the problems, then correct them manually. It does have an auto fix option, but I find that does not work most of the time. 3d Builder is a part of the Widows 10 and 11 operation systems now. I've never installed it, and it's still there on all my computers. I don't think it will actually go away.
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
By the way, the original Netfabb isn't gone: www.3dpprofessor.com/2024/10/23/3d-builder-is-being-buried-by-microsoft/
The get is gone, so no more 3d Builder.
@@KatrinaLeFaye yep nothing, no link, nothing to click on to get the program
Who wants to bet it makes into a new online subscription service for Microsoft?
Your link to Netfabb goes to an 8-year-old version of Netfabb Basic. Seems to work, but it nags you to buy a license every time you start it.
@@3dpprofessor This makes me sad. :(
This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason - that my tools won't disappear in the future - I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project.
Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?
Blender has a built in 3d print tools plugin that will repair non-manifold issues with pretty good quality. It's already there but needs enabled in the preferences.
You beat me to it. Mission-critical software should not come from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc., because they can arbitrarily change it, deny access to it, or Heaven forbid, remotely delete it from one's computer.
This is the reason I never default to Microsoft. Open source and not requiring internet access are my choices. What you can't do with FreeCAD, Blender will finish.
Okay but... Microsoft owns GitHub... The biggest repository of open source software on the planet... So..
Open source is total crap. How crappy? SO bad that most people still choose MIcroshaft.
Apart from the non-manifold problem fixing, I also find this little minimalist application fantastic for embossing personalizations on round products which I sell. I really hope it does not just suddenly stop working.
Just FY, PrusaSlicer can be used to add text to round objects (raised and embossed).
Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.
Zbrush has better boolean operations and does it so much faster. I boolean models with 3 million triangles a lot.
Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.
Except that you can't export it for upload to other people.
@@3dpprofessor You can my friend, once you have repaired the model you can right click the model again and Export STL and replace the original file that had the errors
Does it need to be a fork or can this be done in the PrusaSlicer itself?
Orca slicer will do the same. Will fix and had ability to export.
So does Bambu Studio.
I have to check if it is still there but Prusa slicer has a "netfabb" repair option. Right mouse button on model 🍻
I can't find that in PrusaSlicer, but the "Simplify model" option seems to fix pretty much anything and doesn't lose you much detail if set to "Very high".
@@MrSlipstreem you will only see it if the model needs repairing. I've never experienced that it doesn't show, but needs it and fail the print. Works very well!
It is in all the Super Slicer derivatives; Prusa Slicer, Bambu Slicer and Orca Slicer.
orca has a similar repair function, not sure if netfabb - and not sure how well it compares to original or 3dBuilder's (and yes I know Orca is based on blah blah) But it still needs testing to see if it works as well, similar ways, or if it is it's own 'repair' functionality. Heck even importing a calibration Temp Tower reads the model has problem and has to be repaired, so maybe we can use that as the base model, and try in all the different slicers and such.
@@IamMrDisaster FYI, SuperSlicer is a PrusaSlicer derivative... I think I remember this feature as far back as Sli3r Prusa Edition (what eventually turned into PrusaSlicer once they had ported the Slic3r codebase to a different language.)
No matter what I could not download it via Microsoft so had to go to Softonic to download. So true how easy it is to use. Fixed my print. Added text like a dream. Edited my part in a heart beat. Just what the doctor ordered. Easiest software that does exactly what I need and free. Blow your mind amazing. Wish I had found this a year ago for all those failed prints.
I absolutely use this tool for exactly what you stated....fix models that others have sent me that don't want to slice properly. I have also used it to help split models that were too large, or had multiple parts that I only needed 1 piece of. I have also used it to join models that I used to do 3D milling on my CNC. Please don't let them take it away!!
for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D
Yup. It's gone for me too. A greyed out "Get" button.
Well that's even worse.
It seems this applies to Windows 11. Windows 10 may be unaffected. I recently upgraded to 11 and so didn't have 3D Builder installed.
This video has only been up for an hour and they had to be extra evil and just make it not work at all...
I just tried it out and I don't even get a greyed out Get button. There is nothing there at all. Also, I'm on Windows 10.
Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.
It looks like we may need some alternatives. It's disabled in Windows 11.
Forget Microsoft, the non-manifold problem fixing is available on Repetier for example, and most of the times works perfectly.
And it works on Linux, Mac and Windows.
Orca Slicer on Windows has this feature and it will throw a warning if an STL needs repairs. Just right click on the object and select Repair STL
There is a way to still download and install it on Windows 11 "direct" from Microsoft, I uploaded a short detailing the process a couple of weeks ago. You do need a third party website to reveal the download location on MS servers for you, but if you inspect the download it's definitely coming from them. Sucks that they're doing this and I hope as well this doesn't mean the end of 3D builder. It's one of the best tools in a 3D printers toolbox, not only for the repair tool but just as a quick and dirty digital kitbasher it's wonderful. Especially that planar slice tool!
It also has an amazing ability to easily join multiple models/STL's together.
I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.
I used to run a 3D print service at a university library. So many students would send files they made on Sketchup that had so many imperceptible gaps or holes that would literally make the model fall apart in the lye bath that removed the support (yeah, one of those machines). I'd sometimes get lucky with Netfab, but even it couldn't fix some of these things.
@@devinflint5554 Wow! Was that a resin machine? I was always afraid to work with those in the environment in which I worked (a public high school). I had a Deezmaker Bukito, and used PLA. I used Netfab to divide the brain into two parts, each with flat sides so there wouldn't be too much support material. Then I'd glue the two parts together. I did this for a former student of mine who was working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. I now have a Prusa.
Do it manually lol
Cough cough... meshmixer is free
@@michaelcheverie7579 No, it was an old Stratasys FDM machine that used a proprietary soluble support material. Huge pain to work with.
I use the "drop item" feature on that program to simulate gravity, makes printing organic objects much simpler
Never knew of this tool until now.... going to check into it
Aaaand it's gone.
Like others mentioned, they've now disabled the option to get 3D Builder in the store page.
Just checked, and it opens up in the microsoft store, but there is no download button for me :(
Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.
@@3dpprofessor There is no open option/install option for me either. I'm still on Windows 10. Any ideas?
@@3dpprofessor I'm still on Windows 10 :/
@@3dpprofessor works fine for me, i download it from a 3rd party site 20 0 4 0 version
@@3dpprofessor Weird - I'm on Win 11 and it works just fine.
I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts.
I always thought it had never been Finnish.
It's also underrated, not many on here on RUclips ever mention it.
I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.
That's what they say, though I wonder if it's the same code lifted from Netfabb that technically Microsoft owns. I hope so, because that means it won't go away.
Process slicer three years has had the option to process an STL and repair it using netfsbb. So it has been an important tool that was available.
that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.
what do you use for that in linux?
Thank you so much. I could not find it anywhere when they removed it.
Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...
I mean, it sucks when the free stuff gets taken away.
It's worse when there isn't even a paid alternative.
@@3dpprofessor Fusion 360 has all of the meshmixer features in it and repairs meshes very well. I've never had issues with Fusion with the mesh environment.
I'm glad I got it a year ago. I hope that this video helps people find it. I use it often for designing enclosure frames.
Thank you for highlighting this. Keep up the good work.
Orca slicer also has this option integrated. Fusion 360 and meshmixer also works.
It even works offline. Which is good. But it doesn't let you export the edited mesh, so not as good for uploading.
@@3dpprofessor You can absolutely export the edited mesh in all of these programs. In orca its as simple as selecting the item and exporting the STL. In fusion you select it from bodies and export it as mesh and select STL. Meshmixer also you can export STLs from easy.
Or if you prefer you can export the 3mf file, You have 2 options, a generic one that just exports the geometry or a bundle that also shares printer and profile settings.
I've done countless designs in 3D Builder! Even now after learning more advanced CAD I still use 3D Builder when I want to make quick edits to STLs.
Oh my god, yes, this was absolutely an indispensable tool for me! In fact it's one of the few things that make me keep a Windows partition around!!! This tool was fantastic for repairing models and making little changes like scaling or rotating models with a snappy, responsive interface! Also, it had a "Settle" feature where it could drop a model and auto rotate it so that it could be as stable as possible again the "floor", which was amazing for weirdly shaped models on Thingiverse not optimized for printing!!!
They need to open source this and make it available to everyone on any operating system!!!
Considering Microsoft's history with contribution to the open source movement... don't hold your breath.
I've also generally had better luck with 3D Builder than Meshmixer for repairing models. Maybe it's time for a new video on how to perform similar repairs in Fusion (360) (Personal).
or onshape
I will be downloading this as soon as I can fix that fabulous Windows 10 (the constant problems addition)
I use the free trial version of Autocad Meshmixer to repair my models, as I occasionally run into a model that Microsoft 3D Builder can't fix. Some of the slicers out there also provide mesh fixing capabilities. Personally, I prefer to model with MS 3D Builder over Tinkercad, as I find I can do more with it, such as importing 2D images to work into a 3D model.
FreeCAD can make STL meshes manifold. I believe Cura can too . 3D builder is like a MS paint enough to be frustrating.
I will be happy to do a FREECAD video to demonstrate.
Let me know when you do.
Orca Slicer will do this for you, if you need to "repair" a model, it will do it with that program, clicking "Fix Model" will do it.
The functionality is not gone, prusa slicer, and orca slicer call the api that 3d builder uses with 'fix with windows algorithm'.
Yes, but it doesn't let you export to upload.
@@3dpprofessor you can't??? All those slicer have an "Export as STL" function for the repaired (and all other models loaded), that should do the Trick. But: is that Windows API still available without 3DBuilder???
I’m sad it is gone too
I'm glad I have it installed and don't plan on resetting my computer any time soon
one rarely plans to have to do things like that ...
Before I got into 3D printing, I considered 3D Builder bloatware that Microsoft was shoving on my computer. Most people don't 3D print and don't need it, so it basically was just added bloat. It's kind of ironic that a program that I once deleted off my new Windows installations ASAP, I now have to actively seek out and jump through hoops to get installed.
You were right though. And if MS hadn't bought it so they could ram it down your throat, it might be easily available still.
There's an archive for old store apps. So you can still download and install it. It's a market place app package though, so you can't just unzip it and run it, you have to install it with a package manager.
3D builder is extremely useful, not only for fixing, but also splitting up , scaling and even creating simple objects from scratch.
Heads up: there is a work around. Onceinasixside posted this short when he discovered the same issue.
ruclips.net/user/shortsHp5xb3xgXq4
No idea how long this will work but you can at least get the latest install file and save it somewhere until it gets removed.
Thanks
Thanks, I've spammed this to help people find it.
I use it for A LOT OF stuff in my 3D adventure, not only for model repairing and while I love it, I think there is quite the room for improvement. If M$ doesn't want it, they should make it open source, I definetely would love to see that, a simple yet powerful tool
I use 3d Builder daily for my hobby needs. It is so easy and intuitive to make basic designs!
Fortunately prusa slicer has 2 ways to repair an stl, also the mesh tools addon in cura also works well.
No, it doesn't... never repaired any faulty model for me, just teils me to repair it outside Cura and re-import
@@christianbottger493 open cura click marketplace scroll down to mesh tools click the install button follow the prompts restart cura. In the top menu under extensions there will be mesh tools, in the sub menu it will say fix model normals. Make sure your model is high lighted then select fix model normals works every time
@@christianbottger493 its called mesh tools it's an add on you can get in cura been using it for years
I use 3d Builder extensively. Just used it to assemble primitive shapes to make a rough monkey idol figure, then smooth out the details in meshmixer.
The manifold repair is also key.
I also use it to slice up stls so they are printable without supports or print in the stringest direction. Bad idea to let this one go. 3d builder, fusion 360 and mesh mixer are my jam.
I've used that tool to repair models as well.
I wonder if that functionality is in Blender or Cura or a common slcer?
It's not in Blender for sure.
I use 3D Builder for the same reason as you do.
when I click the link then open the MS Store to download it, the "Get" button is greyed out and cant be clicked...
My suggestion is to keep a Windows 10 laptop around because it was part of the Windows 10 original loadout. You can extract it from the rescue drive as well. I'm glad I found this tool early on and hope that microsoft doesn't remove it via an update. This has happened with native tools before.
I never knew there was fix for this. Thanks for sharing.
Can you go into more detail about what is causing the anomaly in the mesh geometry?
Will this tool fix non-water-tight STLs too?
ruclips.net/video/l6GgKmkYTyo/видео.html
Yes, it does fix non-water-tight STLs.
It’s been part of my 3D modeling workflow….
Good information. I will give it a shot! Thanks!
I run every model i make or download through 3D builder. Not only does it fix the model, but the save files are also *way* smaller.
You can also open some wierd formats and save them as stl, which has saved my bacon a few times.
love your videos, went to download but doesnt show as a download being available now?
In today's video I explore how you can get it and some alternatives: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
I use 3D builder all the time. Its remarkable considering how long ago it was developed. Splitting and scaling and just general viewing works so easily mirroring etc etc it'll be a sad day if it becomes unavailable
That day is already coming.
I normally run all of my designs through it and it works very well
The "3D building" of 3D Builder always appeared to be built by someone that never did any kind of 3D designing
Bambu studio slicer will also do this for you and allow you to save the repaired file.
It does it stating "using a windows service". I wonder if it uses 3dBuilder in the background.
I did what you have suggested. I'm running windows 11. And tried to get it downloaded. And guess what they have greyed out the get button on the store looks like it is no more available to anyone. I was hoping to try it out over here myself.
Fortunately there are options: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
If I am not mistaken there is a way do download executables from the microsoft store trough some powershell command
And there are sites that are hosting them: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
I 100% agree with this video...3d Builder for all its simplicity and lack of ability to do much is still my #1 go-to on a daily basis to check & repair files before sending them to my slicer...definitely a huge loss of a fantastic quick-fix tool!
Thank you will have a look. I noticed i couldn't find it on my notebook. 73 👋🏽😊
In today's video I explore how you can get it and some alternatives: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
I use this when Lychee slicer fails to fix something. but No idea why there aren't better fixing tools out there or why lychee can detect and but fails to fix, where builder can fix it.
I use 3D builder all the time, its just so handy to make my model manifold. I t is worth a try posting reviews on the download link with the reasons not to kill off this bit if software.
I've used 3D Builder ever since I started 3D printing over 4 years ago. I use it to modify existing STLs and to create other simple models. I don't have the expertise to use Fusion 360 or anything like that, so if 3D Builder was ever removed by Microsoft I would not be happy!
3d Buillder on Mac would be amazing. I always need to pull out my old PC laptop to use it.
I use the Mesh Tools plugin in Cura. I'm not sure if it does the same thing.
Flashprint will autodetect issues and promt to repair on import, has a great lithophane generator too, just export stl and use in any slicer
FreeCAD also has this feature its called Mesh Evaluation.
I wonder if it's the same thing.
A big part of the way this worked is that it didn't change the underlying mesh more than it needed to. I really liked that. As opposed to some other tools that remesh it.
Interesting. I don't do mesh manipulation in FreeCAD (haven't learned the techniques yet), so my only use of the Mesh Workbench so far has been to export stl files. Though, I've stopped exporting stls and now export step ever since PrusaSlicer started supporting step import.
How easy is the Mesh Evaluation to use on FCv1RC2+?
@@Sembazuru step is superior to stl.
@@3dpprofessor Truth to be told I never have used it because i always export in step that do not seam to produce that kind of error.
@@segment932 step may be superior to stl, but neither you nor I can control what format others release their models in. ;-)
The basic problem is that you want to rely on Microsoft as a private person! Don't do it.
Man; i now understand why it just crashes everytimr i open it; and couldn't find it..
I don't have many errors, when i use blender, and 3d builder together. Kinda went without it because it wasn't really needed so long as i went throigh my 'checklist' of potential errors in my head.
Getting back this, software would be nice though.
Was amazed at how how user friendly it is, and there is very few options to distract the eye.
REALLY don't like it when Microsoft does this sort of thing - like they "depreciated" the gamebar screen recorder, which was a simple way to grab a video.... *sighs*
It's a handy tool in general when you need to quickly throw something together. I've been experimenting with ABS on PLA raft lately, and at some point I got sick of built in options and decided to just build it into the part. Lifting the model 0.2mm and extruding the bottom surface down in 3D Builder took a minute at most. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it nearly as quickly and efficiently in any other software.
If everyone was on the latest and greatest, that would be true. But I want to reach everyone, including the people using second hand Ender 3s and still using Cura (for some reason).
I think the slicer you were thinking of is Kisslicer. Still kind of around but updates are extremely in frequent. I second you worry over 3d builder. I have also used for a lot of little 3d related chores over the years and it never quite the traction I think it deserved.
I use Bambu Studio and I gets a non-manifold edges or whatever statement usually when I'm cutting a model up in the slicer. I've never downloaded the program you're talking about and I have this option to repair whatever problem this is. I just thought it came standard now and Windows because it says Windows will repair this now.
I guess I'm confused when you say you can't download it anymore and it might be going away.
followed the link... the "Get" button is greyed out :(
I've always just repaired my models in meshmixer . .is there much of a difference between that and 3D Builder?
Meshmixer is often unable to automatically fix more complex issues. It's very common that it removes pieces completely from the model instead of repairing them. I've never had any issues with repairing in 3D Builder 🙂
3d builder is much better at it than meshmixer though you get less control of what it is trying to do than you get with meshmixer. That said, I don't think either of them are all that good for complex models and it's often better to use something like the 3d print plugin in Blender. While the Blender plugin is laughable at fixing things it does usefully highlight each vertex or face that has a problem so you can fix it yourself.
I use it on occasion and find the repair feature useful and simple to use.
Take a peek at Orca Slicer :) I have not used another slicer since using it... it is very powerful
I have a Windows 10 copy in a VM (Virtual Machine) that I use SPECIFICALLY for 3D builder under Linux.
and like yourself I use it to manifold models or slice up large items thats it. The nice thing about the VM its transferable it ANY machine Win, IOS, -NIX, Solaris, freeBSD.
Microsoft should do the right thing, and donate the algorithm to the open source community. This would go a long way keeping innovation alive. And it would help Microsoft immensely by looking better and less shitty like they already are.
Agreed. But M$ does not have a great track record when it comes to getting their fingers into open source projects.
the get box on the "open in microsoft store" is now grey not blue like on your video and it doesn't seem to work. I am glad you pointed this out. Nice to see that prusa slicer might have a fix. Can you check on it and report a video? thank you for your videos.
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
Bambulab Studio on Windows has a function to fix models. Also Mesh mixer. Also Blender with the 3D printing add (need to be activated in the options)
Bambu Studio seems to send the model to some kind of Windows service for fixing.
I *really* hope it's not some sort of core libraries that were also used by 3D Builder and that will also be phased out soon...
That's what it says, but it works offline, so I think the repair algorithm is internal.
@@3dpprofessor Well yeah, I meant some Windows library/service that runs locally. But they could still remove that in a future Windows update...
@@TheBrain2K I was curious about this yesterday - the service looks like some sort of caching - not necessarily directly related to model repair. My question would be - is that fix capability coming from Bambu, or the underlying Prusa/OrcaSlicer original code-base?
I thought i would download befroe it disappeared from the store, but alas the link isnt on the 3d Builder page of the Store, info on the app is but the link is missing.
So right click - fix model in bambu slicer/peusa slicer/orca slicer isn't good enough?
It's one option.
I like and use 3D Builder all the time, hope they don't take it away
I love 3D builder. My guess is they have something better in store. 🤷🏻♂️
I failed to find it to be able to install it, but I did some searching, and found how to download the files to install them (and keep them to install as suits me). Unfortunately, I am hundreds of kilometers away from my computer, so I cannot link my source. However, the point remains that you can find the three install files you would need, and as long as the program will work in Windows, you can ensure that you can install it.
They did this a few years back with the Media Encoder & audio\video toolset, too.
Hmm having a 3d printed blender logo is pretty smart. I shoulda thought of that
I see that Mesh Mixer does have the ability to repair 3D stl files and seems to work pretty good. What are your thoughts on using it?
Other than the fact that it's unsupported, it's at least available. I just really don't love the interface. But I may have to try it out.
@@3dpprofessormeshmixer tends to cut half of your mesh or more away when repairing ...
@@christianbottger493 That's my issue with meshmixer too. It only seems to be able to handle very simple errors.
Can MeshMixer fix non-manifold meshes like this?
Reason why I have always used a mac. Not being smug but, being a unix system, if Apple kill something, I can just find a unix/linux equivalent and build the ware in the terminal.
Were is the link that will allow me to download 3d Builder? The one you have listed is Like an online version. thanks
See my latest video: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
I first clicked on the link and the Get button was greyed out, but looking around I found in the MS forums that you need to log in with an account in the store; I did that and was able to download it
Are you on Windows 11? It appears to be incompatible.
@@3dpprofessor yup no luck on win11 doesnt give option to download
@@3dpprofessor yes, Win11 23H2
Once I logged in with my account I was able to download it, then after I logged out and am able to still use it
@@3dpprofessor yes, Win11 23H2
Logged in with my account and then I could download it; after I logged off and was still able to use it
@@3dpprofessor Yes, Windows 11 23H2, I logged in with my account to the store and was able to download it; after I logged out and am able to still use it
I just tried downloading this (10/25/2024 - 14:14 CST) and it appears to be gone.
I didn't know 3d Builder has that function. I've gotten a plethora of models that were non-manifold. Sometimes that is due to the normals needing to be corrected. I've been using the Blender 3d Tool Kit to find the problems, then correct them manually. It does have an auto fix option, but I find that does not work most of the time. 3d Builder is a part of the Widows 10 and 11 operation systems now. I've never installed it, and it's still there on all my computers. I don't think it will actually go away.
I've never needed this program, exactly what is it supposed to be doing?
1:46
Well, when I open the store link, the button says "Get" and not "open". It appears it isn't working now. I could be doing something wrong.
Fortunately, there are options: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html
I just use blender and the 3D Print Toolbox addon but it's part of my workflow and I already use blender to create models anyway.
In today's video I explore this and it's downsides: ruclips.net/video/G10kNtq-E6M/видео.html