5 reasons why I use Meshmixer to edit my meshes

At some point in your 3D printing workflow, you’ll need to edit your files after designing them or downloading them from 3D model repository sites. Raw meshes often contain errors like holes, non-manifold geometry, or unnecessary complexity, which can cause printing issues or slow down processing in other software. Moreover, when you have a 3D scan, you must clean it up and remove unnecessary sections.

While many CAD programs offer basic mesh editing features, they can be cumbersome and lack specialized tools for working with detailed surface geometry. This is where Meshmixer comes in, an easy-to-use tool that every 3D printing enthusiast should have. I prefer this software for the following reasons.

5

It supports the majority of the standard file formats

Import and export files in various formats

You can import files in STL, OBJ, AMF, and 3MF, the popular file formats used in 3D printing. These file formats are standard for most CAD programs, too, so you can import and edit your files without worrying about format limitations. As someone who also uses 3D scanning to generate 3D models, I can import a 3D scan in OBJ, clean it up in the software, export it as an STL, and then send it to the slicer easily.

Moreover, if you work with AMF or 3MF files, which store additional data like color and materials, Meshmixer handles them correctly without conversion issues. Once you import your files to the program, Meshmixer lets you view your design from different angles using the camera option. You can also zoom in and out by moving the mouse wheel back and forth.

You can export the files in STL, OBJ, AMF, and 3MF and save them in other formats, such as COLLADA, PLY, VRML, and SMESH.

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4

Identifying and fixing holes and open meshes is easy

Make the model watertight

Holes and open meshes in the file can cause issues during slicing as they make the file non-manifold, and this confuses the slicer, leading to errors. They also prevent the model from being watertight, an essential aspect of 3D printing. Finding and fixing these issues can be challenging, but with Meshmixer, you can do it quickly.

The software has an Inspector tool, which you can access from the Analysis -> Inspector section. This tool automatically analyzes your file and detects errors, indicating holes using pins. Once the areas containing holes or open meshes are detected, you can fix them by clicking the Auto Repair All option.

3

Adding supports is easy in Meshmixer

Meshmixer detects areas that need supports and automatically adds them

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In addition to automatic hole detection and repair, Meshmixer has an Overhangs option in the Analysis section. When selected, this option detects whether the file needs support. When activated, the software will highlight areas with overhangs in red. To add support in those areas, click Generate support, which will appear where necessary.

You can also add supports manually for more control by left-clicking and dragging from the part that has an overhang to the build plate, then clicking the shift key on your keyboard, and it will be added. Various supports settings are available, like the preset, angle thresh, contact tol, Y-Offset, support generation option, and advanced settings. You can explore each of them and see their impact on the supports that Meshmixer generates. If you want to delete them, click Remove Support from the overhangs section.

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2

Meshmixer allows hollowing 3D models

Hollowing files saves time and material

Sometimes, when working on large prints, I like hollowing them to reduce the material usage and increase the printing time. Meshmixer is an excellent tool for this as it comes with the Hollow tool, which you can find in the Edit section. When you click on it, the software will start processing, adding a thickness based on your chosen parameters. Adjust the thickness using the Offset Distance setting, which will determine the volume of the hollow part.

Preview the hollow part using the Update Hollow option. To make the model solid and maintain its integrity, go to Edit -> Make Solid. There, you can choose the solidify type and adjust other settings, such as solid accuracy and mesh density.

If you are 3D printing using a resin 3D printer, adding escape holes is essential to prevent uncured resin from getting trapped inside the model. You can do this by going to Edit -> Hollow, then choosing the number of holes in Holes per hollow section and the radius in the Hole Radius. The default number of holes is two, and the radius is 1.5 mm, and you can adjust them based on your file.

Refining and modifying files is easy

Meshmixer comes with 3D sculpting tools that help refine and modify 3D models. Some 3D modeling programs lack sculpting brushes, so smoothing certain surfaces, adding intricate details, and even reshaping certain areas are impossible. But with Meshmixer, you can achieve this with ease. You can find the sculpting tools in the Sculpt found in the left section of the interface.

You can choose from various brushes, such as drag, draw, smooth, pinch, flatten, move, spikes, and many others. The brushes have multiple settings, including their strength, size, and spacing. Meshmixer’s sculpting tools are helpful for organic shapes and figurines where surface details are essential.

Prepare meshes for 3D printing

Meshmixer is an excellent tool for editing 3D models and ensuring they are ready for printing. Its interface is simple and easy to navigate, and it is free. In addition to the above reasons, it allows you to print directly on the software.

You can connect your 3D printer, adjust your model, and start printing with a single click. This seamless integration saves time and streamlines the workflow, eliminating the need for additional slicing software.