Hello Machine Bros!
Did you know our article How to Fix 3D Models Using Meshmixer? Today’s article is very similar! How to Edit and Fix Models Using Microsoft 3D Builder.
Using both software together, we have managed to solve practically all the problems that we have encountered in the world of 3D modeling for 3D printing, since one software complements the other, the weaknesses that one presents can be counteracted by the other.
For this reason, we do not see 3D Builder as better than Meshmixer, nor vice versa, but rather, one complementary to the other.
What is 3D Builder?
3D Builder is a free software from Microsoft that allows us to make 3D designs, repair and edit existing models, to later 3D print them.
What we really like about this software is that it’s quite easy to use, with a friendly interface.
3D Builder has an interesting catalog of 3D models that you can use and also offers the possibility of accessing an online 3D printing service, in case you do not have your own printer.
Another thing we like about 3D Builder is that it supports a wide variety of formats, for example: 3MF, STL, OBJ, PLY, GLTF, GLB.
A con that this software has is that it is not available for macOS.
3D Builder System Requirements:
Available on: PC, Mobile, Xbox console, Surface Hub, HoloLens
Operating system: Windows 10 or higher
Architecture: X86 X64 ARM64 ARM
3D Builder Interface
Let’s start by explaining what tools and options we have at the top of the software.
Insert
This option let us insert different types of predefined objects. It also lets us import any model that we already have created.
The Add tool allows us to access the catalog of models that 3D Builder has.
Object
In Object we have basic functions to Duplicate, Copy, Cut, Paste and Delete an object:
Duplicate: Duplicates the object.
Copy, Cut, and Paste: The same function that we do when we copy, cut, or paste a file. With Copy and Paste we would be executing the same action as Duplicate.
Delete: We delete an object.
We also find the following options
Settle: This function is used to position an object surface to the bed or the floor.
With this tool, the software simulates that the object is pulled to the ground by gravity, or that we drop the object onto a surface.
In the following video you will understand the Settle tool.
Mirror: This tool, allows you to reflect an object. Similar to putting the said object in front of a mirror, as if you changed its shape and orientation (left and right).
The following video shows the Mirror tool in detail.
Measure: Allows you to take a measurement between two points.
Edit
Here we can find the most used functions and tools.
Simplify: This tool reduces the number of triangles in the 3D model mesh.
It is useful to lighten the weight of the models a bit, but its quality is generally lost.
Split: With Split, we can divide the model.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Cut, Drill or Split Models in 3D Builder.
Smooth: With Smooth we soften the surface of the model.
Keep in mind that with this tool the model ends up being larger, it is also a function that can take a long time to execute, since it requires some processing time.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Smooth a 3D Model in 3D Builder.
Emboss: Emboss allows us to add relief to the model, either a text or a figure.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Add Texts to a 3D Model in 3D Builder.
Extrude Down: With this tool, we extrude part of the model downwards, until we reach the ground.
In the following video, you can see an example of how Extrude Down works.
Merge: With Merge, we can merge or join models.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Join or Merge Models in 3D Builder.
Intersect: Intersect allows us to create a new object from the intersection of two other objects.
In the following video, you can see an example of the Intersect tool.
Subtract: Subtract is used to use an object as a tool to cut another object.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Cut, Drill or Split Models in 3D Builder.
Hollow: The Hollow tool allows us to hollow out a model.
We explain this tool better with an example in the section: How to Hollow Out a 3D Model in 3D Builder.
How to Move, Rotate and Scale Models in 3D Builder
Every time we select an object, we will see some options like the ones shown below.
Both the Move, Rotate and Scale options allow you to enter digits manually, or execute the action using the cursor.
The Scale option has a lock used to maintain the scale ratio.
Rotate has a symbol with 3 arrows that is used to restart the object’s rotation.
In this video, we show what was mentioned before.
How to Repair 3D Models in 3D Builder
Repairing a model in 3D Builder really is very easy, much easier than with Meshmixer.
It consists solely of importing the model, after that if 3D Builder detects an error and it will ask you if you want to correct it, to which you select yes.
If the error and the model are complex, the process could be delayed.
How to Hollow Out a 3D Model in 3D Builder
Hollowing out a model with 3D Builder is also a fairly simple process, all you have to do is select Hollow in Edit, to later choose the desired thickness that the model’s walls will have.
Anyway, here is a video that explains how to do it.
How to Make a 3D Model Solid in 3D Builder
In case you have a hollow model, and you need to make it solid, it’s also very easy.
The first thing is to verify that the model is sealed, that is, without perforations. After that, select the model, and in the Edit section click on Merge.
In case the model had a perforation, you must cover it.
How to Cut, Drill or Split Models in 3D Builder
To cut or divide models, we have two options, we can use the Split tool or the Subtract tool. Both are found within the Edit section.
The Split tool generates a plane, which we place in the position where we want to split the model.
With Subtract we use an object as a cutting tool.
For perforations, we must also resort to Subtract.
How to Join or Merge Models in 3D Builder
Joining or merging models with 3D Builder is easier and more intuitive than with Meshmixer.
The first thing we must do is select the models we want to merge, later, within the Edit section, we will use the Merge tool.
Depending on the complexity of the model, this operation could take some time.
It can happen that we don’t get the desired results, generally, this happens when the triangle mesh is not dense enough.
We solve this problem by increasing the density of the triangles that make up the mesh in Meshmixer.
How to Smooth a 3D Model in 3D Builder
Smoothing a 3D model is really easy with 3D Builder. First make sure that within View, you have deactivated the Smoothing option, because in this way you will really know how the model looks.
Then, in Edit select the Smooth tool. There you will have a slider bar that allows you to adjust a number from 0 to 6, with 0 being no smoothing, and 6 being the maximum smoothing value.
The higher the smoothing value, the longer the computer takes to execute the operation.
There is also the option called Smooth Edges, this option generates more significant smoothing, but it consumes a lot of computer resources, therefore, the smoothing process takes much longer with this option active.
How to Add Texts to a 3D Model in 3D Builder
Another advantage of 3D Builder is that it allows us to easily insert text into 3D models, as well as some figures.
To do this, we must go to Edit and then click Emboss.
How to Convert a 2D Image to 3D in 3D Builder
3D Builder also allows us to generate a 3D model from a 2D image.
The software has various parameters to achieve this objective, the idea is to test moving and varying these parameters until the desired result is obtained.
Conclusions on How to Edit and Fix Models Using 3D Builder
As you may well have noticed throughout this article, 3D Builder is a very good software, it may be missing some tools or features, but combining 3D Builder with Meshmixer, they complement each other very well.
That is why our conclusion is not that one software is better than the other, on the contrary, in our opinion, you should learn to handle both software.
In our case, to solve the problems that we have found when repairing, editing, or creating a 3D model, we always find a solution using these software together.
Hey Machine Bro!
By the way, have you seen our new 3D Printer Comparison Tool? We invite you to take a look, in it you will find a lot of useful information, including interesting accessories for some 3D printers.
If you are just starting out in 3D printing, or are already familiar with it, these three articles can be very useful for you:
- Most Used 3D Printing Terms in this article you will learn about the main terminology used in 3D printing.
- Beginner’s Guide of Simplify3D is designed for all those who are just starting out in this world.
- Advanced Guide of Simplify3D for all those who are looking to overcome the barriers and limitations that Slicers can offer and get to 3D print spectacular models.
Do not hesitate to leave any questions you have in our comments section, as well as any contribution or suggestion you wish to make, we are here to grow together in this wonderful world of 3D printing.
Greetings.
See you soon Machine Bros!
