Software
Each job submission requires a specific software for the job to be processed effectively.
Submission File Type: Rhinoceros 3D (.3ds)
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhino can create, edit, analyse, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.
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Most Suited To | 3D Modelling / Digital Fabrication Best used for general 3D modelling purposes |
Use Environment | Requires a machine with at least 8 GB Ram |
Hardware Platforms | Windows, Mac |
Summary
Category | Rating |
Ease of Learning | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
Flexibility | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Recommended Knowledge | Basic CAD |
Submission File Type: Rhinoceros 3D (.3ds)
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhino can create, edit, analyse, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.
| |
Most Suited To | 3D Modelling / Digital Fabrication Best used for general 3D modelling purposes |
Use Environment | Requires a machine with at least 8 GB Ram |
Hardware Platforms | Windows, Mac |
Summary
Category | Rating |
Ease of Learning | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
Flexibility | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Recommended Knowledge | Basic CAD |
Rhinocam
Fab Lab technicians use RhinoCAM to generate toolpath that CNC machines follow to create parts. Students don't need to undertake this process, however can choose to engage with it to expand their fabrication knowledge
RhinoCAM is a CAM Software plug-in that runs completely inside of Rhinoceros 5.0 & 6.0 (Windows only). RhinoCAM marries the power of Rhino’s freeform modelling with the legendary CAM functionality of VisualCAM to bring you a product of unrivalled capability. With seamless and complete integration RhinoCAM, acts and feels like you are working with Rhino when generating CNC programs. RhinoCAM is also fully associative to any geometry changes within Rhino.
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Most Suited To | CNC Machining Best used for general 2-3 axis machining |
Use Environment | Requires a machine with at least 16 GB Ram |
Hardware Platforms | Windows |
Summary
Category | Rating |
Ease of Learning | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
Flexibility | ★ ★ ★☆ ☆ |
Recommended Knowledge | 3D Modelling experience |
Submission File Types
HP Jet Fusion & Powder Printers: Stereolithography (.stl), 3D Model Format (.obj)
These file types can be created from software exports like Rhino, Autodesk Meshmixer, Autodesk NetFabb
Resin Printer: Preform (.form)
Preform
Download the Preform splicing software to generate a (.form) to submit to Fab Lab:
Working in Preform
Supports and Raft
Generate supports in Preform to correctly set-up your file for 3D resin printing. Generating supports will automatically create a raft for your model.
Orientation
Orientation can be the difference between a print success and a print failure. In 3D resin printing, orientation is defined as the alignment of an object within the space of the build volume.
It impacts stability, surface finish, and printability.
Model orientation best practices include:
Tilting flat surfaces to a 10–20º angle
Preserving integrity at intersections
Preserving fine details on a model
Preventing suction cups
Reducing minima*
Minima
Every model contains minima; they are the lowest point of a surface. Rotating a model to face the build platform from different angles changes the lowest point and how each layer builds off the one below it.
Printability
Ensure a print has been checked for printability before exporting. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your job request, or an unsuitable print for which a student will still be required to pay for.
If you experience issues on creating a printable file, read through provided KBA articles and additional resources before asking Fab Lab.
Export from Preform
Export files as a .form to submit to Fab Lab with appropriate settings and colour/material specifications.
For additional help required using Preform, refer to:
Autodesk MeshMixer
MeshMixer is a free software available for download, ideal for use when working to manipulate, clean up or prepare mesh geometry for technology requiring mesh format files, such as 3D printing.
Most lab computers in the Melbourne School of Design will have MeshMixer downloaded, accessible by student login access.
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Most Suited To | 3D Modelling / Digital Fabrication Best used for working with meshes in 3D modelling Cleaning up scanned mesh files |
Use Environment | Requires a machine with at least 8 GB Ram |
Hardware Platforms | Windows, Mac |
Summary
Category | Rating |
Ease of Learning | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Flexibility | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
Recommended Knowledge | Basic CAD |
Download MeshMixer
Autodesk NetFabb
Netfabb is a free software and online service that allows for the repair of .stl .obj .3mf and .vrml files up to a maximum of 100MB.
Upload a file, and allow Netfabb to process the repaired file before receiving a download link for the repaired mesh geometry. For this service you will be required to log into an Autodesk account.
For more extensive repairs the paid version of Netfabb can be used.
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