Open STL, 3MF, and CAD data
Inspect supported CAD, exchange, and mesh formats independently of the source system.
Prototyping and 3D Printing
Inspect and convert CAD and mesh data
intuitive & practical 3D without CAD expertise
affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Why use 3D-Tool for prototyping and 3D printing?
Prototyping and 3D printing workflows receive CAD and mesh data from different systems. With 3D-Tool, you open these files, check geometry, dimensions and model revisions, and convert supported CAD and mesh data for downstream processing.
Check geometry
Inspect overall dimensions, wall thicknesses, and other relevant part dimensions directly on the model.
Compare model revisions
Visualize changes between customer, engineering, and prototype revisions.
Convert data
Convert supported CAD and mesh data into suitable downstream formats.
CAD viewer and converter for prototyping and 3D printing
Prototype manufacturers and 3D printing service providers receive CAD and mesh data from different systems and in different file formats. Before downstream processing, the correct model revision, relevant dimensions, and part geometry must be established.
3D-Tool opens, measures, and analyzes supported native CAD data, exchange formats, and mesh formats such as STL and 3MF. When needed, suitable downstream formats can be generated for rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, and rapid manufacturing.
Inspect CAD and 3D printing data before downstream processing
Between engineering and production preparation, geometry, dimensions, and the model revision must be checked unambiguously, regardless of the system the data came from.
- Prototyping: Check part geometries, dimensions, and wall thicknesses before manufacturing.
- 3D printing service providers: Open customer data directly and verify the intended model revision.
- Additive manufacturing: Assess supported CAD and mesh data for downstream processing.
- Development: Compare prototype revisions with current engineering or customer revisions.
Functions for CAD and mesh data
Preparation primarily depends on whether the geometry and model revision are correct and whether the data can be provided in the required format.
- Measurements and wall thickness analysis: Check overall dimensions, distances, radii, and wall thicknesses directly on the model.
- Sections: Inspect internal geometry and relevant part areas.
- Model comparison: Highlight differences between two model revisions in color and selectively inspect added or removed material.
- Convert CAD and mesh data: Export supported CAD models as STL or 3MF, for example, and convert mesh data into supported mesh or visualization formats.
Clarify model revision and geometry before production preparation
Before slicing or machine-specific process preparation begins, the model revision and part geometry can be checked independently of the manufacturing software used later.
- Avoid incorrect model revisions: Compare customer, prototype, and engineering revisions before downstream processing.
- Check geometry in advance: Inspect dimensions, wall thicknesses, and internal areas before production data is prepared.
- Provide suitable output formats: Convert supported CAD and mesh data for downstream prototyping and 3D printing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can 3D-Tool open STL and 3MF files?
Yes. STL and 3MF are supported mesh and 3D printing formats and can be opened, measured, and analyzed with 3D-Tool.
Can CAD models be exported as STL or 3MF for 3D printing?
Yes. Supported CAD models can be converted to available mesh formats such as STL or 3MF. The available source and target formats depend on the edition used.
Can different prototype or model revisions be compared?
Yes. Model comparison overlays two models and highlights geometric differences in color. Added and removed material can be displayed selectively.
Can 3D-Tool convert STL or 3MF files into exact CAD geometry?
No. Triangulated mesh data is not automatically converted back into exact CAD geometry. It can, however, be converted into supported mesh target formats.
Does 3D-Tool perform slicing or configure print parameters?
No. 3D-Tool is used to open, inspect, measure, compare, and convert model data. Slicing and machine-specific settings are handled in the designated manufacturing software.