Great SOLIDWORKS evaluation tools for 3D printing

SOLIDWORKS is one of the best CAD software for designing 3D print model not just because of its convenience and parametric modeling, there are also a variety of evaluation tools assisting the 3D printing process.

1.    1、Print3D
Print3D is a SOLIDWORKS feature designated for 3D printing, it includes different
features assisting the printing process before export.

i. Printer library for previewing the model with the printer volume
ii. Orient and scale model before export, auto-calculate the maximum scale for your model
iii. Export to file for 3D print: stl, 3mf, amf

iv. Preview model with building analysis of angle, layer height, thickness/gap, material, slices and faces required support

3、Thickness Analysis
Identify thin regions to prevent potential wall thickness failure or flaws

4、Geometry Analysis
For surface bodies and import bodies, checking insignificant geometry,
sharp angles and discontinuous geometry
Check: For import bodies, checking invalid geometry and open surface

5、Section View
simulate slicing for the printing process.

After section view, we can further evaluate the slices.

Measure

provide information for the selected items, e.g. thickness and dimension

6、Interference Detection
Validate the assemblability of the model.

Clearance Verification
Validate the clearance in assemblies.

The above evaluation tools can help you to validate the 3D printed model and provide the information needed for the printing process early at design stage. These can greatly reduce the failure of printing and prototype, and thus the time and cost.

Written by Marco Yam, Intelligent CAD/CAM Technology Ltd.