Meshmixer 2.7 Makes it Easier to 3D Print Multiple Objects
12/08/2014
Meshmixer 2.7 is now available and it makes it easier to 3D print multiple objects. Unlike a traditional paper printer that will print as many copies as paper and toner fit in the machine, a 3D printer usually only makes one copy. With Meshmixer 2.7 it is now easy to layout multiple objects for printing in one shot.
From the View menu, users can now display the print bed in the modeling workspace to get a better idea of the proportion and orientation of their models relative to their printer.
With multiple objects selected, users can then take advantage of the new Layout tool to automatically position the objects on the print bed. To duplicate an object, select the object in the Object Browser (accessible from the View menu) and press the duplicate button in the lower right next to the garnage can.
With the objects to layout selected, select the Analysis tool followed by Layout/Packing.
The Layout tool lets you specify the distance between objects.
It's also possible to analyse objects to determine the distance between them. With two objects selected, from the Analysis tool, select the Cleaance option. If there are any polygons with the tolerance you've set you will see them highlighted in the viewport. Clicking on the spherical manipulator associated with the polygons will select them if you want to modify them.
Similar to the Clearance tool is a new Deviation tool that can e useful when comparing two versions of a model, for example the original and reduced versions.
In terms of meshmixing, there is now the option to do a boolean subtract or add when part dropping which helps to make some more interesting shapes with fewer steps.
When generating custom supports, it is now possible to add your own horizontal supports with a click/drag workflow. Horizontal supports can help to give extra support to extreme overhangs or when removing parts of a support that may be difficult to remove after printing. Removing supports is now easier as well. A ctrl click removes an entire support above the click point. A shift+ctrl click removes only the segment clicked on as indicated by the color.
More details on the updates in Meshmixer 2.7 are available on the forum. If you're technically inclined, you may want to check out the Scripting and API possibilities with the 2.7 Meshmixer release.
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