I can't find that in PrusaSlicer, but the "Simplify model" option seems to fix pretty much anything and doesn't lose you much detail if set to "Very high".
@@MrSlipstreem you will only see it if the model needs repairing. I've never experienced that it doesn't show, but needs it and fail the print. Works very well!
orca has a similar repair function, not sure if netfabb - and not sure how well it compares to original or 3dBuilder's (and yes I know Orca is based on blah blah) But it still needs testing to see if it works as well, similar ways, or if it is it's own 'repair' functionality. Heck even importing a calibration Temp Tower reads the model has problem and has to be repaired, so maybe we can use that as the base model, and try in all the different slicers and such.
@@IamMrDisaster FYI, SuperSlicer is a PrusaSlicer derivative... I think I remember this feature as far back as Sli3r Prusa Edition (what eventually turned into PrusaSlicer once they had ported the Slic3r codebase to a different language.)
Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.
@@3dpprofessor You can my friend, once you have repaired the model you can right click the model again and Export STL and replace the original file that had the errors
for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D
I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts. I always thought it had never been Finnish. It's also underrated, not many on here on UA-cam ever mention it. I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.
That's what they say, though I wonder if it's the same code lifted from Netfabb that technically Microsoft owns. I hope so, because that means it won't go away.
Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.
I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.
I used to run a 3D print service at a university library. So many students would send files they made on Sketchup that had so many imperceptible gaps or holes that would literally make the model fall apart in the lye bath that removed the support (yeah, one of those machines). I'd sometimes get lucky with Netfab, but even it couldn't fix some of these things.
@@devinflint5554 Wow! Was that a resin machine? I was always afraid to work with those in the environment in which I worked (a public high school). I had a Deezmaker Bukito, and used PLA. I used Netfab to divide the brain into two parts, each with flat sides so there wouldn't be too much support material. Then I'd glue the two parts together. I did this for a former student of mine who was working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. I now have a Prusa.
Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.
I've also generally had better luck with 3D Builder than Meshmixer for repairing models. Maybe it's time for a new video on how to perform similar repairs in Fusion (360) (Personal).
I wanted to download 3d builder two weeks ago and realized it wasn't able on the store. But google is always available to find the last version of it, so I have it now.
"But google is always available to find the last version of it, so I have it now." Is this code for "Hoist the Jolly Roger" and sail the high seas??? 😏
@@3dpprofessor you can't??? All those slicer have an "Export as STL" function for the repaired (and all other models loaded), that should do the Trick. But: is that Windows API still available without 3DBuilder???
This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason - that my tools won't disappear in the future - I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project. Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?
Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...
@@3dpprofessor Fusion 360 has all of the meshmixer features in it and repairs meshes very well. I've never had issues with Fusion with the mesh environment.
@@3dpprofessor You can absolutely export the edited mesh in all of these programs. In orca its as simple as selecting the item and exporting the STL. In fusion you select it from bodies and export it as mesh and select STL. Meshmixer also you can export STLs from easy. Or if you prefer you can export the 3mf file, You have 2 options, a generic one that just exports the geometry or a bundle that also shares printer and profile settings.
@@christianbottger493 open cura click marketplace scroll down to mesh tools click the install button follow the prompts restart cura. In the top menu under extensions there will be mesh tools, in the sub menu it will say fix model normals. Make sure your model is high lighted then select fix model normals works every time
that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.
It's a handy tool in general when you need to quickly throw something together. I've been experimenting with ABS on PLA raft lately, and at some point I got sick of built in options and decided to just build it into the part. Lifting the model 0.2mm and extruding the bottom surface down in 3D Builder took a minute at most. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it nearly as quickly and efficiently in any other software.
If everyone was on the latest and greatest, that would be true. But I want to reach everyone, including the people using second hand Ender 3s and still using Cura (for some reason).
I never knew there was fix for this. Thanks for sharing. Can you go into more detail about what is causing the anomaly in the mesh geometry? Will this tool fix non-water-tight STLs too?
I hope this doesn't become a trend. A few days ago my rich text files suddenly started to be opend in open office, after a quick search it urned out Microsoft had removed wordpad after the last update with no option to reinstall it.:-(
Bambu Studio seems to send the model to some kind of Windows service for fixing. I *really* hope it's not some sort of core libraries that were also used by 3D Builder and that will also be phased out soon...
I use 3D builder all the time, its just so handy to make my model manifold. I t is worth a try posting reviews on the download link with the reasons not to kill off this bit if software.
I think the slicer you were thinking of is Kisslicer. Still kind of around but updates are extremely in frequent. I second you worry over 3d builder. I have also used for a lot of little 3d related chores over the years and it never quite the traction I think it deserved.
@@3dpprofessor and now that I know I can't get this app, it's kinda bad knowing that if I had known about this app earlier, I might have been able to use it
I wonder if it's the same thing. A big part of the way this worked is that it didn't change the underlying mesh more than it needed to. I really liked that. As opposed to some other tools that remesh it.
Interesting. I don't do mesh manipulation in FreeCAD (haven't learned the techniques yet), so my only use of the Mesh Workbench so far has been to export stl files. Though, I've stopped exporting stls and now export step ever since PrusaSlicer started supporting step import. How easy is the Mesh Evaluation to use on FCv1RC2+?
the get box on the "open in microsoft store" is now grey not blue like on your video and it doesn't seem to work. I am glad you pointed this out. Nice to see that prusa slicer might have a fix. Can you check on it and report a video? thank you for your videos.
I love 3D builder despite it being super buggy. Every other time I use it the menus disappear and I have to guess what the buttons are. I've never found a solve for it.
It's still there. He explains about at 5:10 in the video. Wish I hadn't wasted 5:20 seconds watching the video. Further thoughts most slicers now have this option to use the windows repair in them. No need to actually open 3d builder which I haven't had to do in a while. Also if you already have it installed, no need to worry that maybe Microsoft has disabled it or anything.
I just looked and they removed the open button (at least it is gone on my screen) so no longer available using that store link either, Maybe if you already have it installed it will be there, but it is not possible to get for me.
I first clicked on the link and the Get button was greyed out, but looking around I found in the MS forums that you need to log in with an account in the store; I did that and was able to download it
@@3dpprofessor Yes, Windows 11 23H2, I logged in with my account to the store and was able to download it; after I logged out and am able to still use it
The way that PrusaSlicer does it (and presumably the various forks of PS) is by uploading your STL to a cloud service and waits for the fix to come back from the cloud service. This cloud service used to be the Netfabb service, and now is called "Fix by Windows repair algorithm" and last I used it it worked the same way. I've even had to occasionally use it on parts that I've cut apart within PrusaSlicer. (I don't recall if I've had to on the most recent versions of PS...) I'm running on Windows, so I don't know if that feature is available on the Mac or Linux builds of PrusaSlicer. I think I remember hearing back when it was called Fix by Netfabb that that feature was only available on the Windows builds. If Micro$oft is attempting to sunset the 3D Builder program, I wonder if the cloud service will also vanish.
@@3dpprofessorno, it's build into Windows and called via local API, it's not a cloud service and it is not available on Linux. The point is: it's build into Windows, not Orca/Prusa/... - so once 3dbuilder is gone, Microsoft may very well decide to remove that API in any future Update.
I'm not sure the full relationship there, but for a while cloud.netfabb.com was microsoft owned. They changed it so you had to give them a microsoft account before you could use it, and then they axed it all together. So microsoft owned at least some part of it.
I have Windows 11 on an Arm Processor and can't install 3d Builder. But, I was able to open a known broken STL into Bambu Studio and when I slice it am prompted to repair it. Clicking repair then brings up a little info box saying repairing using MS service or something like that. Afterwards the STL is fixed. Hopefully this works for others as well.
I am not even able to install it using the link you provided... so I guess its fully gone already... I was not aware of this tool even, but now that I am, I am sad, I may have needed it in the future :(
Tried the Link and adjusted for English U.K. Unfortunately the "get" button is grey and non responsive. it would have been very handy for a complete Novice like myself. Cheers from Blighty.
It surprising to me that with the open source ethos so prevalent in the 3D printing community that no one has addressed this with FOSS. Always a danger to allow closed source software companies to control key parts of your workflow. As others are pointing out this functionality exists in slicers, tools in blender etc. Hopefully this will prompt someone to step up and port this functionality into a simple STL view, check, and repair tool.
3D Builder is the best tool for: fixing errors; convert between stl, obj and 3mf; check and set true scale/dimensions of objects; preview files; make planar cuts; make perfect boolean edits; ungroup objects with multiple elements... I will cry if I can't use it someday. Meshmixer is not useful replacement. It's old, buggy and slow.
REALLY don't like it when Microsoft does this sort of thing - like they "depreciated" the gamebar screen recorder, which was a simple way to grab a video.... *sighs*
Tried to download it onto my wife's computer a few weeks ago for the one click hole fixing feature and it wasn't available for download (Win10 machine). I might use some of the tips in the comments here to hunt down a working installer though.
Hey! Great video! Perhaps you can help me with a 3d print issue. (I'll likely join your discord after I post this.) When I do a filament change on my Tronxy XY-SE3, it leaves a blob when it returns to the model after loading new filament. Is there a way to stop that?
Lol I thought it was one of maybe 2 or 3 that uses it to repair files. Now I have edited and actually built a few files with ut recently, but my main use is for repair
It also doesn't work on models with modifiers, and the modifiers are often what introduces the problems, so you either have to bake in all your modifiers which makes the base mesh uneditable or copy and bake before exporting, which is just a lot of steps. It would be great if there was an option on the export button that said "make manifold on export". I supposed Blender is editable.
@@3dpprofessor Also literally just last night I ran the 3d-printing tool in Blender's Make Manifold, got 0 alerts in the check other than overhang faces, and 3D builder still told me there were problems with the mesh that needed to be fixed. Either it's making stuff up or - more likely - Blender's 3D printing tools aren't perfect.
I don't even see a greyed out button, still see the listing but no ability to download, I scrolled down on the listing and "Download" appeared at the top, it was a blue button and when I pressed it and it took me back to the stores home page.
@@DownUnderTechReview download is there but it sends you to the store where it doesn't allow you to install it and download directly isn't possible. This is on windows 11. Not sure if windows 10 is getting different options.
3D Builder is only available for Windows 7, 8, 9, and 10. Microsoft has removed all access to 3D Builder with their latest Windows 11 update. So glad all 3 of my computers are Windows 10.
I hope someone there sees it. Unfortunately "sending it to Microsoft" is easier said than done. Do I email support? Send it to Satya Nadella directly? I'm sure he reads every email that comes into his inbox. (Heck, I don't even do that.) Might as well send the URL by smoke signal.
This link still doesn't work. it will take me to the page which offers me a download button, but When I click on the DL Button it takes me to another page which has a "Get" button. The get button is not an active link, so I reach deadend. I hope someone figures this out because this program is invaluable to me.
@@kevinm3751 How? Let me be more clear. When you use parametric tools to keep your base mesh editable, sometimes those tools make mistakes, accidentally overlapping geometries when you get too many points in the same area and things like that. So how do you make something that doesn't need to be fixed when the tools themselves are sometimes imperfect. A perfect tool didn't exist.
button is greyed out and just says 'get' when i click the link. however, i think that might be because i've already got it installed? could be that it installed with another app like Bambu or Orca.
Does this mean that programs that use 3d builder in the background, like bambu studio, will be unable to repair files? Lego parts designer exports pieces as broken .obj-s. Without the repair feature you can't print your custom lego pieces
@@3dpprofessor That would be good for everyone, especially since mac and linux users can't repair objects in studio, since it relies on windows software
I'm not sure how Bambu Studio does it, but PrusaSlicer (that bambu is based off of) sends the stl to be fixed to a cloud service to fix it. It used to be Netfabb, but now is just called "Windows repair algorithm". I'm not sure when PrusaSlicer changed the name. Unfortunately, because it is a cloud service, PrusaSlicer's programmers don't have access to the codebase that does the magic.
Your voice does not match your body at all and I totally love it! edit: I absolutely love 3D Builder, it's a big reason for why I got into 3D Printing and without it I'd still be completely blind to modeling. I hope it sticks around!
Haha, I'm not sure but your voice is quite boomy! I suppose it reminds me a bit of Sylvester Stallone in terms of pitch? I apologize if I've offended, you have a fantastically soothing voice!@@3dpprofessor
@@3dpprofessor if your slicer has gotten an update in the past 5 years, you have a modern slicer. More importantly, if your slicer is that old, why the hell have you not updated to a newer slicer? Any only the slicers based off of Slic3r (cura, bambu, prusa, etc) will run any machine you can possibly dream of with manual setup.
The link works but I am unable to get the program as the "get" button is grayed out in the Microsoft store. So, for me at least, it really is gone since I haven't downloaded it before.
What´s way worse is Meshmixer being dead. It was one of the best simple ease to use tools ever. There still is no replacement for it in a similar fashion, not even a paid one. I don´t want a bloated software with IDK what else attached to it, where I now habve to learn a new thing to operate it.
I had reinstalled WIndows, and forgot to install this again, can't seem to get it. Link only give me a greyed out "Get" button on the Microsoft store... doh
i needed something lik this and i just tried to get it and there isn't a download button, there is a greyed- out Get button and it is not clickable for me. i think because i never had it before?
I am so livid with this company- been in computing since the 70’s and it’s one stupid decision after another. There are a few things this thing did that not even fusion 360 and blender do… and I often make jigs with it 1-2-3 and you can share models with people that don’t have fancy software. Smooth move Microsoft!
By the way, the original Netfabb isn't gone: www.3dpprofessor.com/2024/10/23/3d-builder-is-being-buried-by-microsoft/
The get is gone, so no more 3d Builder.
@@KatrinaLeFaye yep nothing, no link, nothing to click on to get the program
Who wants to bet it makes into a new online subscription service for Microsoft?
Your link to Netfabb goes to an 8-year-old version of Netfabb Basic. Seems to work, but it nags you to buy a license every time you start it.
@@3dpprofessor This makes me sad. :(
I have to check if it is still there but Prusa slicer has a "netfabb" repair option. Right mouse button on model 🍻
I can't find that in PrusaSlicer, but the "Simplify model" option seems to fix pretty much anything and doesn't lose you much detail if set to "Very high".
@@MrSlipstreem you will only see it if the model needs repairing. I've never experienced that it doesn't show, but needs it and fail the print. Works very well!
It is in all the Super Slicer derivatives; Prusa Slicer, Bambu Slicer and Orca Slicer.
orca has a similar repair function, not sure if netfabb - and not sure how well it compares to original or 3dBuilder's (and yes I know Orca is based on blah blah) But it still needs testing to see if it works as well, similar ways, or if it is it's own 'repair' functionality. Heck even importing a calibration Temp Tower reads the model has problem and has to be repaired, so maybe we can use that as the base model, and try in all the different slicers and such.
@@IamMrDisaster FYI, SuperSlicer is a PrusaSlicer derivative... I think I remember this feature as far back as Sli3r Prusa Edition (what eventually turned into PrusaSlicer once they had ported the Slic3r codebase to a different language.)
Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.
Except that you can't export it for upload to other people.
@@3dpprofessor You can my friend, once you have repaired the model you can right click the model again and Export STL and replace the original file that had the errors
for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D
Yup. It's gone for me too. A greyed out "Get" button.
Well that's even worse.
It seems this applies to Windows 11. Windows 10 may be unaffected. I recently upgraded to 11 and so didn't have 3D Builder installed.
This video has only been up for an hour and they had to be extra evil and just make it not work at all...
I just tried it out and I don't even get a greyed out Get button. There is nothing there at all. Also, I'm on Windows 10.
I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts.
I always thought it had never been Finnish.
It's also underrated, not many on here on UA-cam ever mention it.
I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.
That's what they say, though I wonder if it's the same code lifted from Netfabb that technically Microsoft owns. I hope so, because that means it won't go away.
Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.
I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.
I used to run a 3D print service at a university library. So many students would send files they made on Sketchup that had so many imperceptible gaps or holes that would literally make the model fall apart in the lye bath that removed the support (yeah, one of those machines). I'd sometimes get lucky with Netfab, but even it couldn't fix some of these things.
@@devinflint5554 Wow! Was that a resin machine? I was always afraid to work with those in the environment in which I worked (a public high school). I had a Deezmaker Bukito, and used PLA. I used Netfab to divide the brain into two parts, each with flat sides so there wouldn't be too much support material. Then I'd glue the two parts together. I did this for a former student of mine who was working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. I now have a Prusa.
Do it manually lol
Cough cough... meshmixer is free
@@michaelcheverie7579 No, it was an old Stratasys FDM machine that used a proprietary soluble support material. Huge pain to work with.
I'm glad I have it installed and don't plan on resetting my computer any time soon
Like others mentioned, they've now disabled the option to get 3D Builder in the store page.
Just checked, and it opens up in the microsoft store, but there is no download button for me :(
Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.
It also has an amazing ability to easily join multiple models/STL's together.
The "3D building" of 3D Builder always appeared to be built by someone that never did any kind of 3D designing
Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.
It looks like we may need some alternatives. It's disabled in Windows 11.
I've also generally had better luck with 3D Builder than Meshmixer for repairing models. Maybe it's time for a new video on how to perform similar repairs in Fusion (360) (Personal).
I wanted to download 3d builder two weeks ago and realized it wasn't able on the store.
But google is always available to find the last version of it, so I have it now.
how did you get it because the button is greyed out for me, i can't from microsoft.
@@necrokittie2291 I googled "3d builder download" and picked up the link from softonic. That version is working flawless for me.
"But google is always available to find the last version of it, so I have it now."
Is this code for "Hoist the Jolly Roger" and sail the high seas??? 😏
The functionality is not gone, prusa slicer, and orca slicer call the api that 3d builder uses with 'fix with windows algorithm'.
Yes, but it doesn't let you export to upload.
@@3dpprofessor you can't??? All those slicer have an "Export as STL" function for the repaired (and all other models loaded), that should do the Trick. But: is that Windows API still available without 3DBuilder???
Never knew of this tool until now.... going to check into it
Aaaand it's gone.
I will be downloading this as soon as I can fix that fabulous Windows 10 (the constant problems addition)
This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason - that my tools won't disappear in the future - I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project.
Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?
Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...
I mean, it sucks when the free stuff gets taken away.
It's worse when there isn't even a paid alternative.
@@3dpprofessor Fusion 360 has all of the meshmixer features in it and repairs meshes very well. I've never had issues with Fusion with the mesh environment.
Thank you so much. I could not find it anywhere when they removed it.
Orca slicer also has this option integrated. Fusion 360 and meshmixer also works.
It even works offline. Which is good. But it doesn't let you export the edited mesh, so not as good for uploading.
@@3dpprofessor You can absolutely export the edited mesh in all of these programs. In orca its as simple as selecting the item and exporting the STL. In fusion you select it from bodies and export it as mesh and select STL. Meshmixer also you can export STLs from easy.
Or if you prefer you can export the 3mf file, You have 2 options, a generic one that just exports the geometry or a bundle that also shares printer and profile settings.
Fortunately prusa slicer has 2 ways to repair an stl, also the mesh tools addon in cura also works well.
No, it doesn't... never repaired any faulty model for me, just teils me to repair it outside Cura and re-import
@@christianbottger493 open cura click marketplace scroll down to mesh tools click the install button follow the prompts restart cura. In the top menu under extensions there will be mesh tools, in the sub menu it will say fix model normals. Make sure your model is high lighted then select fix model normals works every time
@@christianbottger493 its called mesh tools it's an add on you can get in cura been using it for years
that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.
It's a handy tool in general when you need to quickly throw something together. I've been experimenting with ABS on PLA raft lately, and at some point I got sick of built in options and decided to just build it into the part. Lifting the model 0.2mm and extruding the bottom surface down in 3D Builder took a minute at most. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it nearly as quickly and efficiently in any other software.
If everyone was on the latest and greatest, that would be true. But I want to reach everyone, including the people using second hand Ender 3s and still using Cura (for some reason).
I never knew there was fix for this. Thanks for sharing.
Can you go into more detail about what is causing the anomaly in the mesh geometry?
Will this tool fix non-water-tight STLs too?
ua-cam.com/video/l6GgKmkYTyo/v-deo.html
Yes, it does fix non-water-tight STLs.
I hope this doesn't become a trend. A few days ago my rich text files suddenly started to be opend in open office, after a quick search it urned out Microsoft had removed wordpad after the last update with no option to reinstall it.:-(
GAH!
I’m sad it is gone too
It might come natively with future versions of windows and could be manually added or removed by the "Turn Windows features on or off" menu.
It did come natively with past versions. It looks like M$ is disabling it in Windows 11.
Bambulab Studio on Windows has a function to fix models. Also Mesh mixer. Also Blender with the 3D printing add (need to be activated in the options)
Bambu Studio seems to send the model to some kind of Windows service for fixing.
I *really* hope it's not some sort of core libraries that were also used by 3D Builder and that will also be phased out soon...
That's what it says, but it works offline, so I think the repair algorithm is internal.
@@3dpprofessor Well yeah, I meant some Windows library/service that runs locally. But they could still remove that in a future Windows update...
Hmm having a 3d printed blender logo is pretty smart. I shoulda thought of that
Good information. I will give it a shot! Thanks!
I normally run all of my designs through it and it works very well
I use 3D builder all the time, its just so handy to make my model manifold. I t is worth a try posting reviews on the download link with the reasons not to kill off this bit if software.
I think the slicer you were thinking of is Kisslicer. Still kind of around but updates are extremely in frequent. I second you worry over 3d builder. I have also used for a lot of little 3d related chores over the years and it never quite the traction I think it deserved.
Tried going to both links, (the one in the desc & in the pinned comment) & I just get a full white screen that never loads, no matter how long I wait.
That sound even worse. Don't worry, I'm working on some alternatives.
I see that Mesh Mixer does have the ability to repair 3D stl files and seems to work pretty good. What are your thoughts on using it?
Other than the fact that it's unsupported, it's at least available. I just really don't love the interface. But I may have to try it out.
@@3dpprofessormeshmixer tends to cut half of your mesh or more away when repairing ...
So right click - fix model in bambu slicer/peusa slicer/orca slicer isn't good enough?
It's one option.
I use it on occasion and find the repair feature useful and simple to use.
It’s been part of my 3D modeling workflow….
I use 3D Builder for the same reason as you do.
3d Buillder on Mac would be amazing. I always need to pull out my old PC laptop to use it.
I'm still struggling to get a model watertight on Blender, even with the 3d printing addon. I'm learning a lot in the process
There are some tricks, but sometimes it just doesn't matter what you do. You need an external tool to fix it.
@@3dpprofessor and now that I know I can't get this app, it's kinda bad knowing that if I had known about this app earlier, I might have been able to use it
FreeCAD also has this feature its called Mesh Evaluation.
I wonder if it's the same thing.
A big part of the way this worked is that it didn't change the underlying mesh more than it needed to. I really liked that. As opposed to some other tools that remesh it.
Interesting. I don't do mesh manipulation in FreeCAD (haven't learned the techniques yet), so my only use of the Mesh Workbench so far has been to export stl files. Though, I've stopped exporting stls and now export step ever since PrusaSlicer started supporting step import.
How easy is the Mesh Evaluation to use on FCv1RC2+?
@@Sembazuru step is superior to stl.
@@3dpprofessor Truth to be told I never have used it because i always export in step that do not seam to produce that kind of error.
@@segment932 step may be superior to stl, but neither you nor I can control what format others release their models in. ;-)
the get box on the "open in microsoft store" is now grey not blue like on your video and it doesn't seem to work. I am glad you pointed this out. Nice to see that prusa slicer might have a fix. Can you check on it and report a video? thank you for your videos.
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
Lychee slicer can repair some files, I used it when Bambu Studio said there was a problem with the model, I'm on a mac.
And it let you export after the fix? That's awesome. I'll check it out.
Thats too bad. I was comissioned by Microsoft to design the trophy parts that they had in the sample library way back in the day.
I like and use 3D Builder all the time, hope they don't take it away
Oldest free slicer I am aware of, and once used is, Skeinforge
That's the one I was thinking of. Man, it didn't even have a 3D preview when I used it.
I love 3D builder despite it being super buggy. Every other time I use it the menus disappear and I have to guess what the buttons are. I've never found a solve for it.
Orca Slicer seems to detect non manifold models and allows the user to click the message to fix it.
Yes, but does it let you save it out for upload online?
@@3dpprofessor yes, as STL or 3mf
It's still there. He explains about at 5:10 in the video. Wish I hadn't wasted 5:20 seconds watching the video. Further thoughts most slicers now have this option to use the windows repair in them. No need to actually open 3d builder which I haven't had to do in a while. Also if you already have it installed, no need to worry that maybe Microsoft has disabled it or anything.
Gotta provide context for everyone.
@@3dpprofessor yeah hyped it up for five minutes. That’s more than context.
I just looked and they removed the open button (at least it is gone on my screen) so no longer available using that store link either, Maybe if you already have it installed it will be there, but it is not possible to get for me.
As long as they do not remove the internal API as well in some future update ...
I first clicked on the link and the Get button was greyed out, but looking around I found in the MS forums that you need to log in with an account in the store; I did that and was able to download it
Are you on Windows 11? It appears to be incompatible.
@@3dpprofessor yup no luck on win11 doesnt give option to download
@@3dpprofessor yes, Win11 23H2
Once I logged in with my account I was able to download it, then after I logged out and am able to still use it
@@3dpprofessor yes, Win11 23H2
Logged in with my account and then I could download it; after I logged off and was still able to use it
@@3dpprofessor Yes, Windows 11 23H2, I logged in with my account to the store and was able to download it; after I logged out and am able to still use it
I've never needed this program, exactly what is it supposed to be doing?
1:46
The way that PrusaSlicer does it (and presumably the various forks of PS) is by uploading your STL to a cloud service and waits for the fix to come back from the cloud service. This cloud service used to be the Netfabb service, and now is called "Fix by Windows repair algorithm" and last I used it it worked the same way. I've even had to occasionally use it on parts that I've cut apart within PrusaSlicer. (I don't recall if I've had to on the most recent versions of PS...)
I'm running on Windows, so I don't know if that feature is available on the Mac or Linux builds of PrusaSlicer. I think I remember hearing back when it was called Fix by Netfabb that that feature was only available on the Windows builds.
If Micro$oft is attempting to sunset the 3D Builder program, I wonder if the cloud service will also vanish.
Actually PrusaSlicer and it's deritives work offline just fine. The mesh fixing is built in.
@@3dpprofessor Really? I could have sworn it was a cloud service. My apologies for spreading bad information in your comment section.
@@3dpprofessorno, it's build into Windows and called via local API, it's not a cloud service and it is not available on Linux. The point is: it's build into Windows, not Orca/Prusa/... - so once 3dbuilder is gone, Microsoft may very well decide to remove that API in any future Update.
it is no longer available even following your link. The store opened but the "GET" button will not highlight
It appears that it's not Windows 11 compatible. Poo.
Wasn't netfabb acquired by Autodesk? I liked it for some modifications such as removing of invisible geometry or something similar.
No, it is an Autodesk product, and still is, Microsoft haven't bought them. This guy has his wires crossed.
I'm not sure the full relationship there, but for a while cloud.netfabb.com was microsoft owned. They changed it so you had to give them a microsoft account before you could use it, and then they axed it all together. So microsoft owned at least some part of it.
I have Windows 11 on an Arm Processor and can't install 3d Builder. But, I was able to open a known broken STL into Bambu Studio and when I slice it am prompted to repair it. Clicking repair then brings up a little info box saying repairing using MS service or something like that. Afterwards the STL is fixed. Hopefully this works for others as well.
Does it let you export the mesh for upload online?
It's gone :-(. Link works, but can only share now.
The normal link is only to "install" through the store.
Is there a way to "download" it so we can have it on hand to re-install?
Not that I know of. I'm working on some alternatives.
@@3dpprofessor Yeah I tried using winget to download it and no luck. :(
Yeah, for me, i used 3D Viewer to take a quick look at the stl file instead of 3D Builder now, so sad
I am not even able to install it using the link you provided... so I guess its fully gone already... I was not aware of this tool even, but now that I am, I am sad, I may have needed it in the future :(
It seems to be on-again, off-again. Try again another day. I just installed it on a new computer of my own.
Tried the Link and adjusted for English U.K. Unfortunately the "get" button is grey and non responsive. it would have been very handy for a complete Novice like myself. Cheers from Blighty.
Apparently it doesn't work on Windows 11.
It surprising to me that with the open source ethos so prevalent in the 3D printing community that no one has addressed this with FOSS. Always a danger to allow closed source software companies to control key parts of your workflow. As others are pointing out this functionality exists in slicers, tools in blender etc. Hopefully this will prompt someone to step up and port this functionality into a simple STL view, check, and repair tool.
Fortunately, the open source version of Netfabb was saved on GIthub.
3D Builder is the best tool for: fixing errors; convert between stl, obj and 3mf; check and set true scale/dimensions of objects; preview files; make planar cuts; make perfect boolean edits; ungroup objects with multiple elements... I will cry if I can't use it someday. Meshmixer is not useful replacement. It's old, buggy and slow.
REALLY don't like it when Microsoft does this sort of thing - like they "depreciated" the gamebar screen recorder, which was a simple way to grab a video.... *sighs*
I just tried and ... both buttons on the the one screen open the store, but the store no longer has a Download button for me.
same.
I wonder if it's gone if you didn't already install it.
Well that's even worse.
Tried to download it onto my wife's computer a few weeks ago for the one click hole fixing feature and it wasn't available for download (Win10 machine). I might use some of the tips in the comments here to hunt down a working installer though.
Hey! Great video!
Perhaps you can help me with a 3d print issue. (I'll likely join your discord after I post this.) When I do a filament change on my Tronxy XY-SE3, it leaves a blob when it returns to the model after loading new filament. Is there a way to stop that?
I'll see you on Discord. I'm sure someone there can help.
Surprised we don't have an open source Gimp like program at this point.
We might. Check the link in the pinned comment for the old version of NetFabb.
Is there a chance that Microsoft builds this feature in to the build in 3D print tool in Windows or the 3D viewer?
I wouldn't bet money on it.
Lol I thought it was one of maybe 2 or 3 that uses it to repair files. Now I have edited and actually built a few files with ut recently, but my main use is for repair
Blender has a "make manifold" option in the included 3d-printing add on. Not as convenient I guess.
It also doesn't work on models with modifiers, and the modifiers are often what introduces the problems, so you either have to bake in all your modifiers which makes the base mesh uneditable or copy and bake before exporting, which is just a lot of steps. It would be great if there was an option on the export button that said "make manifold on export".
I supposed Blender is editable.
@@3dpprofessor Also literally just last night I ran the 3d-printing tool in Blender's Make Manifold, got 0 alerts in the check other than overhang faces, and 3D builder still told me there were problems with the mesh that needed to be fixed. Either it's making stuff up or - more likely - Blender's 3D printing tools aren't perfect.
Link doesn't even work in the store anymore. You open the link in the store and see the app with a greyed out "Get" option. That's annoying.
I don't even see a greyed out button, still see the listing but no ability to download, I scrolled down on the listing and "Download" appeared at the top, it was a blue button and when I pressed it and it took me back to the stores home page.
@@DownUnderTechReview download is there but it sends you to the store where it doesn't allow you to install it and download directly isn't possible. This is on windows 11. Not sure if windows 10 is getting different options.
Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.
3D Builder is only available for Windows 7, 8, 9, and 10. Microsoft has removed all access to 3D Builder with their latest Windows 11 update. So glad all 3 of my computers are Windows 10.
I was right!
I altered my BIOS to prevent auto-upgrade to Windows 11.
Still on Windows 10...
How about sending this video to Microsoft to let them know? For sure 3D Builder is useful
I hope someone there sees it. Unfortunately "sending it to Microsoft" is easier said than done. Do I email support? Send it to Satya Nadella directly? I'm sure he reads every email that comes into his inbox. (Heck, I don't even do that.) Might as well send the URL by smoke signal.
This link still doesn't work. it will take me to the page which offers me a download button, but When I click on the DL Button it takes me to another page which has a "Get" button. The get button is not an active link, so I reach deadend. I hope someone figures this out because this program is invaluable to me.
Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.
Use Meshmixer, or do what you should have done long ago and learn how to build your own models the right way!
And what do you think is the right way?
@@3dpprofessor Creating models that dont need to be fixed in the first place!
@@kevinm3751 How?
Let me be more clear. When you use parametric tools to keep your base mesh editable, sometimes those tools make mistakes, accidentally overlapping geometries when you get too many points in the same area and things like that. So how do you make something that doesn't need to be fixed when the tools themselves are sometimes imperfect.
A perfect tool didn't exist.
I have it on my PC, does it still work or is it bricked now. That’s a bummer because I used it on my Tinker cad models. ☹️
It works for me, and I had it on my PC before.
@@3dpprofessor Ok that’s good to know. Now I won’t be so chicken to try and open it. 🐣🐓😂🤣😂🤣
I'm still waiting on a half a dozen cash rebates from Microsoft from the late 90s
The interest on those...
button is greyed out and just says 'get' when i click the link. however, i think that might be because i've already got it installed? could be that it installed with another app like Bambu or Orca.
Does this mean that programs that use 3d builder in the background, like bambu studio, will be unable to repair files?
Lego parts designer exports pieces as broken .obj-s. Without the repair feature you can't print your custom lego pieces
I don't know. Hopefully Bambu Studio can put the relevant code into their slicer.
@@3dpprofessor That would be good for everyone, especially since mac and linux users can't repair objects in studio, since it relies on windows software
I'm not sure how Bambu Studio does it, but PrusaSlicer (that bambu is based off of) sends the stl to be fixed to a cloud service to fix it. It used to be Netfabb, but now is just called "Windows repair algorithm". I'm not sure when PrusaSlicer changed the name. Unfortunately, because it is a cloud service, PrusaSlicer's programmers don't have access to the codebase that does the magic.
Your voice does not match your body at all and I totally love it!
edit: I absolutely love 3D Builder, it's a big reason for why I got into 3D Printing and without it I'd still be completely blind to modeling. I hope it sticks around!
...what do you expect my body to look like?
Haha, I'm not sure but your voice is quite boomy! I suppose it reminds me a bit of Sylvester Stallone in terms of pitch? I apologize if I've offended, you have a fantastically soothing voice!@@3dpprofessor
I tried to install it on a new windows 11 pc. It shows up in the store but is unable to be installed at all.
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
yup got to it in the store through another means, and the get button is greyed out....
sad
Any modern slicer can do what nettfab did
Too band not everyone uses modern slicers.
@@3dpprofessor if your slicer has gotten an update in the past 5 years, you have a modern slicer. More importantly, if your slicer is that old, why the hell have you not updated to a newer slicer? Any only the slicers based off of Slic3r (cura, bambu, prusa, etc) will run any machine you can possibly dream of with manual setup.
@@Shukodoshi Cura had been getting constant updates, and still is.
I get a black page that says 3d builder as the title.... seems it's already gone?
It might be disabled for Windows 11.
The link works but I am unable to get the program as the "get" button is grayed out in the Microsoft store. So, for me at least, it really is gone since I haven't downloaded it before.
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
You blew my mind by letting me know that anyone is using anything from MS, including Windows, for 3D printing.
I'm surprised you're surprised.
I programed for a government agency for twenty years and used Microsoft development tools for moser of the time.
Microsoft, one of the largest companies in the world that is barely in the hardware business....and you are surprised that people use their software?
I just fix my models in lychee slicer and export out the .STL to hand off error free or use in Bambu studio
Thanks for letting me know that's an option. I'll check it out.
Cannot download it now, the "get" button is greyed out...
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
What´s way worse is Meshmixer being dead. It was one of the best simple ease to use tools ever. There still is no replacement for it in a similar fashion, not even a paid one. I don´t want a bloated software with IDK what else attached to it, where I now habve to learn a new thing to operate it.
:( they have made it unavailable in the store
Apparently it doesn't work on Windows 11.
I had reinstalled WIndows, and forgot to install this again, can't seem to get it. Link only give me a greyed out "Get" button on the Microsoft store... doh
My coworker tried it and it's greyed out for him
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
@@3dpprofessor daaang 😭
Microsoft disbanded Hololens and is retracting itself from the VR Space. This might explain the removal of 3d Builder from the store.
Were they using it for VR?
i needed something lik this and i just tried to get it and there isn't a download button, there is a greyed- out Get button and it is not clickable for me. i think because i never had it before?
I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.
orca can repair files also
But it won't let you export it for upload.
I am so livid with this company- been in computing since the 70’s and it’s one stupid decision after another. There are a few things this thing did that not even fusion 360 and blender do… and I often make jigs with it 1-2-3 and you can share models with people that don’t have fancy software. Smooth move Microsoft!
I've used it for 7 years.
Has it been around that long? Wow.