When it comes to 3d printing, there are many programs and methods of preparing and adjusting the files, so that you can get the exact result desired. They’re made to facilitate creativity, and give you the tools to create the files as you want them, so that the 3d printer can bring your vision to life.
One of the most popular and commonly used 3d printing programs, well known for being easy to use and simple, is the 3d builder. It has become increasingly popular, and many people use it as an absolute necessity in order to prepare their 3d printing files.
But…do you really need a 3d builder? Is it really that much of an essential, or are there other things you could use? Is 3d builder worth it? What does it even do?
We can answer all of these questions and more, and by the end of this article, hopefully we will have helped you make up your mind on the matter.
Let’s get right into it!
What Is A 3D Builder?
Just in case you’re new to the world of 3d printing, and aren’t familiar with the common programs used, we will start by explaining exactly what 3d builder actually is.
The 3D builder, put simply, is a Microsoft program that is free to download from the Windows store, and that is used for editing, handling, and visualizing 3d files. So basically, it is a free 3d printing program from Windows Microsoft that allows you to work with 3d files, in order to format them, see them, adjust them, and more.
Nowadays, this 3d builder program is actually already pre-installed as a default on many Windows computers, but if you don’t already have it, it is super easy to download and install. And again, it is completely free! (Probably one of the reasons why it is the go-to 3d printing program).
However, if you have a Mac OS, you sadly will not be able to have 3D builder, as it is only available for Windows computers. Sorry Apple users!
But anyway, let’s get into what 3d builder is for, or in other words, what it can be used for in regards to your 3d printing files.
Truth be told, it isn’t as simple as saying “3D builder is used for X thing”, because it can be used for many different things, with the limit being your imagination. It provides you with the basic and essential tools to handle and format 3d files, and you do the rest. It is essentially a multi-purpose program, designed to be a complete software.
That being said, here are some of the main things that you are able to do, and will usually want to do, with the 3d builder program:
Display 3D files (to view them)
Scale, rotate, and position 3D files
Reduce the number of triangles in a 3D file
Format and adjust a 3D file
Combine various different 3D files into one composition
Repair 3D files (if they have errors or are damaged, for example)
Split or cut 3D models
Make holes in 3D models (for resin printing, specifically)
And many more!
The 3D builder is full of many useful tools, and it also has many features that help you work on your 3D files in order to get them to what you want them to be. Some features are there to help you transform the 3D model, some are there to help make it easier to actually print the 3D movel, and some features are entirely designed to help facilitate your creative process, allowing you to create custom and unique models.
Features That 3D Builder Has
As we have already mentioned, the 3D builder has many features created to help you work with your 3d printing files, whether it is to modify them, to make it easier to print them, or to give you full creative power over them.
Just so that you can get an idea of the things you could do with 3d builder, here are some of the main features:
Main Features That Help You Transform 3D Models
Move, Rotate Aand Scale
This is super basic and necessary, and allows you to position the 3d models in the way you need them to be, not only to view them better, but so that it is easier to work on them!
Smoothing 3D Models
This is great to make the 3d models a lot more functional within the program and to work on them, but also, it makes them look way better!
Formatting 3D Models
3D models can be created in many different formats, and with this program you can switch from one format to another with ease, as needed.
Main Features That Make It Easier To Print 3D Models
If you’re going to print out a 3d model file on a resin printer, then it is vital that you first hollow it out. This will save material, and will also ensure that it is printed smoothly, without any problems arising.
Reducing The Polygons
Having too many polygons on a 3d model can confuse the 3d printer, and the result can end up being a disaster. But with this program, you can easily reduce the polygons for better printing functionality.
Main Features To Enhance Creative Power Over 3D Models
The 3D builder program is one of the best for getting creative, as it has all sorts of creativity enhancement features. You can even combine two or more different 3d models, and adjust and play with them until you get a composition you are happy with!
Is 3D Builder Worth It?
So…is 3d builder worth it?
We would say that it is absolutely, 100%, worth it. Why? Well, for the following reasons:
It is easy to use. Simple, and basic, yet with plenty of tools to allow you full power over the 3D model files.
It is practical and convenient, with plenty of useful features that will make working with 3D model files a lot easier.
It is free! There is literally no loss in giving 3d builder a try, because it won’t cost you anything, and is free to download and install (on Windows computers).
It is one of the most popular and commonly-used 3d printing programs
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there are many 3d printing programs, and you should use the one that suits your personal needs and preferences the best. But 3D builder is definitely one of the best out there, completely free to download onto a Windows computer.
It has all the necessary and basic tools, plus plenty of extra features that make it more than worth it, and we absolutely recommend that you at least give it a go!
Hi, my name is Michael Moore, and I have been 3D printing for a number of years now. I have created many cool gadgets over the years, but my current passion is creating one of a kind jewelry pieces. They can be so intricate and beautiful that many people wouldn't believe they are 3D printed.
Through Love and Robots, I hope to share my knowledge with others, and provide advice about everything 3D printer related.
