3D Builder Tutorial: How to Create Models for 3D Printing
In this tutorial you will learn how to use Microsoft’s beginner-friendly 3D modeling app 3D Builder for creating your first 3D models and professional 3D prints. This how-to article includes a tutorial video as well as a text version.
About 3D Builder
3D Builder is a free Windows app that lets you view, capture, personalize, repair, and print 3D models. Users either start from scratch by combining simple shapes, or download any kind of given 3D file from an online database. They can then edit these models using the 3D modeling space. 3D Builder even includes a feature to turn webcam photos into 3D, as well as easy-to-use personalization tools. The app supports all important 3D printing file formats including STL, OBJ, PLY, WRL (VRML), and 3MF files.
Jan 12, 2015 In this third 3D Builder tutorial video we will cover the selection tool, object mode, and the settings pane. The selection tool allows the user to manage multiple objects within the same scene. Find 3D printers that are compatible with Windows 10. 3D printing is now accessible to anyone using Windows 10. Breaking news from around the world. 3D printing partners. We've provided a list of partners for the first wave of 3D printer apps and devices. Da Vinci Super Features. Build volume: 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches; Materials: ABS. Nov 19, 2016 Windows 10 doesn't make it easier to get rid of the 3D Builder app completely, but in this guide, we'll tell you how to do it, including the steps to remove the entry from the context menu. Dec 03, 2015 With the launch of the new version of Microsoft’s operating system, the users have the opportunity to become acquainted with the new fairly important function. Today, we are already after preliminary tests of the 3D Builder, which is an integral part of Windows 10. I can already say, it is good, but it could be even better.
Getting Started with 3D Builder
As already pointed out you can either start from scratch or by importing existing models. 3D Builder gives you the following options:
- Choose ‘new model’ to start designing an object from scratch.
- Select ‘load model’ to open an existing model and start editing it.
- Click on ‘load image’ to important an image and create a 3D model based on it (works best for images with high color contrast like a black object on a white background).
- Choose ‘camera’ to import a photo and turn it into a 3D model.
- Select ‘scan’ to import a scan based on Microsoft’s Kinect device.
An easy starting point is to select a model from the library. You can browse through the different categories (like toys, trophies, household, miniatures, etc.) on the home screen and start editing them immediately.
The 3D Builder start screen. Create a new 3D model or open existing ones.
Basic Settings and File Opening
If you choose to create a ‘new model’ you will see an empty three-dimensional workspace! This is where you will create your new object! But first, let’s get familiar with 3D Builder’s interface:
- On the right-hand side, you can choose options such as selecting objects, grouping them together, or changing the material.
- On the top left of the screen, you see the icon of the main menu. Click on it and select ‘settings’. Here you can choose the unit size that suits your needs best. The most used unit size in 3D modeling and 3D printing is millimeters (mm).
- Next to the main menu, you will see another menu that is called ‘insert’. From here you can add simple geometric shapes (like cubes, spheres, etc.) as well as previously created models.
Choose the unit size that suits your needs in the settings.
Basic Navigation in 3D Builder
After importing a basic shape, let’s take a look at how to navigate in 3D Builder. This will change the view on your item, but will not affect the geometry of the object itself.
- Rotate: Click on your left mouse button and drag in order to rotate the view and see your object from different angles.
- Zoom: Use the wheel of your mouse to zoom in and out.
- Pad: Click on your right mouse button and drag in order to pad.
Basic Editing Tools
After selecting an object you will see several simple editing options at the bottom of your screen.
- Move: The first tool lets you move your parts in three dimensions by clicking and dragging one of the arrows. You can also click on the number below and enter a precise value.
- Rotate: With the second tool you can rotate your parts in all directions by clicking and dragging one of the arrows. Once again, you can also insert a value here.
- Scale: You can change the size of your model with the third tool. The little lock symbol shows that your model will be rescaled proportionally. If you only want to increase the size of your model in one dimension, uncheck the lock symbol first.
Basic editing options can be found at the bottom of the screen.
Intermediate Editing Tools
But there’s more. By clicking on the ‘Object’ menu at the top you will get further editing tools.
- Duplicate: The currently selected model will be copied and placed right next to the existing one. If you click on the copy, you will have selected both objects now. Double click on one of them to only select one of the two.
- Delete: The currently selected model will be deleted.
- Center View: If you get lost on your workspace this option gets you back to the right camera angle.
- Mirror: This mirrors your model. Mirroring comes in handy if you need the left and right version of something.
- Settle: With this tool, you can check the stability of your model. For example, it can show you if your future 3D print will stand upright or if it will fall over.
Advanced Editing Tools
Now that you know the basics let’s hop on to the more advanced editing tools. Click on the ‘Edit’ menu on the top to get here.
- Split: This lets you cut your object into two pieces. You can freely choose the angle and height in which the cut will take place.
- Merge: This tool is very helpful if you want to merge several items together to a single new object.
- Subtract: Instead of adding items together, you can also subtract them. This way you will cut away the overlapping parts of two models.
- Intersect: This option will only show the overlapping areas of several items. All other parts of these models will be cut away.
- Smooth: This tool turns edges into round corners. Click it several times to get an even smoother result.
- Simplify: This option reduces the amount of triangles of your 3D model and will thus lead to sharper edges.
- Emboss: This tool enables you to add text, signs or symbols to your 3D model.
The cube will be cut in half with the split tool.
Importing an Image
As we already pointed out, you can also import images. Click on ‘insert’ and select ‘image’ to do so. Try a black and white silhouette image for the best results.
Click on ‘inverse’ to change between a positive and negative representation. Also, make sure to play around with the ‘levels’ and ‘smooth’ bars to get the perfect result.
Black and white scenes work best for importing an image.
3D Printing your Model
Whether you are in need of a professional 3D print, don’t actually own a 3D printer or are looking for 3D printing solutions beyond plastic, there are many reasons for choosing an online 3D printing service. And 3D Builder makes this even easier: You can order a professional, high-quality print of your model with i.materialise from inside the app. We will then print it in awesome materials like stainless steel, titanium, silver, gold, ceramic and more!
In the top right corner of the screen, you can find a 3D print button. Click it to prepare your model for 3D printing. In the drop-down menu called ‘select printer’ you can choose ‘3D printing service’. In the layout tab you can still double-check the size of your future 3D print.
Click ‘order online’ to upload it to our online 3D printing service. You will immediately see the price for a high-quality 3D print of your model in 100+ materials and finishes.
Choose ‘3D printing service’ for ordering a 3D print of your model.
You can download the 3D Builder app here and learn more about Microsoft’s 3D printing activities here. Once your 3D model is ready to go to the printers, all you need to do is choose between our 20 different 3D printing materials and over 100 possible color and finish combinations.
3D Builder is an app that comes baked in when you install Windows 10. While it's a bit innocuous, if you have even a passing interest in 3D printing, then it is well worth your time to investigate. 3D Builder lets you build your own custom prints for 3D printing, without having to know how a CAD program works in the progress. It makes creating new files easy enough that just about anybody can do it, and even allows you to order your print online if you don't have access to a 3D printer at home.
What is 3D Builder?
3D Builder is an app that allows you to build or import files to be used in 3D printing. Previously, to create a file for 3D printing you would need to have some serious CAD know how. 3D Builder removes that from the equation. You can import images you find online, or build the print from within the app using the various tools made available to you.
We really can't overstate how awesome this is. This makes 3D printing far more accessible to everyone, and allows you to easily customize any print. You also get access to a catalog of prints, all of which can be saved and printed directly or edited and adjusted as you see fit. This includes duplicating the number of items in a print, slicing it, embossing words and plenty more. Microsoft has done a stellar job of making sure that 3D Builder is easy to use, and that just about anyone can use it without much hassle.
Using 3D Builder
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When 3D Builder opens up you'll see a catalog of prints you can use and customize on the right side of the screen, and a small list of options on the left side of the screen. From here you get started with adjusting an existing print, or creating a brand new one of your own. It's here that you can load an image saved onto your computer as well.
By selecting an existing print, loading a saved image, or clicking on new scene, you'll be taken into a screen where you can adjust your print. A 3D rendering of the print. At the top of the screen is a menu bar that has the different ways you can customize your print. Insert, allows you to insert further items into your print. Object, allows you to fine tune the objects in your scene or duplicate them. Edit, will open up options to add words to the print, or split it in half.
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Much like using a program like Photoshop there is just a ton to do within this program. You can slowly tweak and adjust a single print until it's perfect, or try to build something from scratch. Likewise, while it is a fairly simple program to learn, it's much more difficult to master. There are enough options to keep you occupied for quite a while even if you decide not to print anything.
Print your model
If you do want your model printed, then there are two options available. If you have access to a 3D printer, then things are very simple. Take the file that you want to 3D print, and click save as from the overflow menu on the upper left side of the screen. From there you'll want to save your files in an .stl or .obj file. From there you just need to open it in your 3D printing software and you're ready to print.
Your other option is to pay for a print of your model. This option is built right into 3D Builder, all you have to do is click the icon on the upper right of the screen. This will open a series of dialog boxes which will direct you to a 3D printing company. If you don't have access to your own 3D printer, this may end up being your best option.
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