Why has the best 3D printing tool ever been removed from the Microsoft store?

[@3dpprofessor]

By the way, the original Netfabb isn't gone: www.3dpprofessor.com/2024/10/23/3d-builder-is-being-buried-by-microsoft/

[@KatrinaLeFaye]

The get is gone, so no more 3d Builder.

[@gammle-vikingr]

@@KatrinaLeFaye yep nothing, no link, nothing to click on to get the program

[@KatrinaLeFaye]

Who wants to bet it makes into a new online subscription service for Microsoft?

[@dennysawyer3980]

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.

[@lesterspicer8379]

@@3dpprofessor This makes me sad. :(

[@Stemfie3D]

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?

[@wc650]

Blender has a built in 3d print tools plugin that will repair non-manifold issues with pretty good quality. It's already there but needs enabled in the preferences.

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

You beat me to it. Mission-critical software should not come from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc., because they can arbitrarily change it, deny access to it, or Heaven forbid, remotely delete it from one's computer.

[@stewartpalmer2456]

This is the reason I never default to Microsoft. Open source and not requiring internet access are my choices. What you can't do with FreeCAD, Blender will finish.

[@BrainSlugs83]

Okay but... Microsoft owns GitHub... The biggest repository of open source software on the planet... So..

[@OspreyLanthrax]

Apart from the non-manifold problem fixing, I also find this little minimalist application fantastic for embossing personalizations on round products which I sell. I really hope it does not just suddenly stop working.

[@wreckexplorer]

I have to check if it is still there but Prusa slicer has a "netfabb" repair option. Right mouse button on model 🍻

[@MrSlipstreem]

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".

[@LarsAhl]

​@@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!

[@IamMrDisaster]

It is in all the Super Slicer derivatives; Prusa Slicer, Bambu Slicer and Orca Slicer.

[@xXKisskerXx]

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.

[@Sembazuru]

@@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.)

[@ScottBaker_]

Like others mentioned, they've now disabled the option to get 3D Builder in the store page.

[@JonS]

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.

[@MrLzender]

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]

Except that you can't export it for upload to other people.

[@MrLzender]

@@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

[@trevorward85043]

Does it need to be a fork or can this be done in the PrusaSlicer itself?

[@KenDilas01]

Orca slicer will do the same. Will fix and had ability to export.

[@crowguy506]

So does Bambu Studio.

[@PrintingPress3D]

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

[@DuelScreen]

Yup. It's gone for me too. A greyed out "Get" button.

[@3dpprofessor]

Well that's even worse.

[@DuelScreen]

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.

[@tr0798]

This video has only been up for an hour and they had to be extra evil and just make it not work at all...

[@lcarterc]

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.

[@lesterspicer8379]

It also has an amazing ability to easily join multiple models/STL's together.

[@TGAW3D]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

It looks like we may need some alternatives. It's disabled in Windows 11.

[@Lindsey-st6jw]

Just checked, and it opens up in the microsoft store, but there is no download button for me :(

[@3dpprofessor]

Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.

[@BobHagglundWA]

@@3dpprofessor There is no open option/install option for me either. I'm still on Windows 10. Any ideas?

[@Lindsey-st6jw]

@@3dpprofessor I'm still on Windows 10 :/

[@sjingelling]

@@3dpprofessor works fine for me, i download it from a 3rd party site 20 0 4 0 version

[@iExploder]

@@3dpprofessor Weird - I'm on Win 11 and it works just fine.

[@michaellin4553]

I use the "drop item" feature on that program to simulate gravity, makes printing organic objects much simpler

[@GeekTranslation]

Never knew of this tool until now.... going to check into it

[@3dpprofessor]

Aaaand it's gone.

[@fenceup07944931177]

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 KZbin ever mention it. I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.

[@3dpprofessor]

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.

[@BrainSlugs83]

There's an archive for old store apps. So you can still download and install it. It's a market place app package though, so you can't just unzip it and run it, you have to install it with a package manager.

[@johntheblindman]

Orca Slicer on Windows has this feature and it will throw a warning if an STL needs repairs. Just right click on the object and select Repair STL

[@michaelcheverie7579]

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.

[@devinflint5554]

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.

[@michaelcheverie7579]

@@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.

[@Custom3dPrinting4U]

Do it manually lol

[@thetourist883]

Cough cough... meshmixer is free

[@devinflint5554]

@@michaelcheverie7579 No, it was an old Stratasys FDM machine that used a proprietary soluble support material. Huge pain to work with.

[@juancastrodlc]

The functionality is not gone, prusa slicer, and orca slicer call the api that 3d builder uses with 'fix with windows algorithm'.

[@3dpprofessor]

Yes, but it doesn't let you export to upload.

[@christianbottger493]

​@@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???

[@nath042]

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.

[@MegaDman42]

what do you use for that in linux?

[@lonewolfsstuck]

Orca slicer also has this option integrated. Fusion 360 and meshmixer also works.

[@3dpprofessor]

It even works offline. Which is good. But it doesn't let you export the edited mesh, so not as good for uploading.

[@lonewolfsstuck]

@@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.

[@jormungand72]

when I click the link then open the MS Store to download it, the "Get" button is greyed out and cant be clicked...

[@Titan3DAZ]

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]

I mean, it sucks when the free stuff gets taken away. It's worse when there isn't even a paid alternative.

[@Titan3DAZ]

@@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.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’m sad it is gone too

[@greenwaynegreen1]

No matter what I could not download it via Microsoft so had to go to Softonic to download. So true how easy it is to use. Fixed my print. Added text like a dream. Edited my part in a heart beat. Just what the doctor ordered. Easiest software that does exactly what I need and free. Blow your mind amazing. Wish I had found this a year ago for all those failed prints.

[@OnceinaSixSide]

There is a way to still download and install it on Windows 11 "direct" from Microsoft, I uploaded a short detailing the process a couple of weeks ago. You do need a third party website to reveal the download location on MS servers for you, but if you inspect the download it's definitely coming from them. Sucks that they're doing this and I hope as well this doesn't mean the end of 3D builder. It's one of the best tools in a 3D printers toolbox, not only for the repair tool but just as a quick and dirty digital kitbasher it's wonderful. Especially that planar slice tool!

[@ethansdad3d]

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).

[@MegaDman42]

or onshape

[@JacobScherer]

I've done countless designs in 3D Builder! Even now after learning more advanced CAD I still use 3D Builder when I want to make quick edits to STLs.

[@scotttownsend3041]

Thank you so much. I could not find it anywhere when they removed it.

[@IndoorJungle]

I'm glad I got it a year ago. I hope that this video helps people find it. I use it often for designing enclosure frames.

[@TAM-tf7ul]

Man; i now understand why it just crashes everytimr i open it; and couldn't find it.. I don't have many errors, when i use blender, and 3d builder together. Kinda went without it because it wasn't really needed so long as i went throigh my 'checklist' of potential errors in my head. Getting back this, software would be nice though. Was amazed at how how user friendly it is, and there is very few options to distract the eye.

[@louiel8711]

Fortunately prusa slicer has 2 ways to repair an stl, also the mesh tools addon in cura also works well.

[@christianbottger493]

No, it doesn't... never repaired any faulty model for me, just teils me to repair it outside Cura and re-import

[@louiel8711]

@@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

[@louiel8711]

@@christianbottger493 its called mesh tools it's an add on you can get in cura been using it for years

[@Derakkon2]

Before I got into 3D printing, I considered 3D Builder bloatware that Microsoft was shoving on my computer. Most people don't 3D print and don't need it, so it basically was just added bloat. It's kind of ironic that a program that I once deleted off my new Windows installations ASAP, I now have to actively seek out and jump through hoops to get installed.

[@chaos.corner]

You were right though. And if MS hadn't bought it so they could ram it down your throat, it might be easily available still.

[@MaskedMarble]

Can someone give a synopsis of the video or point to the place in the video where he reveals the info promised in the title and thumbnail?

[@SailingAquamarine]

I run every model i make or download through 3D builder. Not only does it fix the model, but the save files are also *way* smaller. You can also open some wierd formats and save them as stl, which has saved my bacon a few times.

[@JunoZXV]

Heads up: there is a work around. Onceinasixside posted this short when he discovered the same issue. kzbin.infoHp5xb3xgXq4 No idea how long this will work but you can at least get the latest install file and save it somewhere until it gets removed.

[@brianbrown6658]

My suggestion is to keep a Windows 10 laptop around because it was part of the Windows 10 original loadout. You can extract it from the rescue drive as well. I'm glad I found this tool early on and hope that microsoft doesn't remove it via an update. This has happened with native tools before.

[@BlondieSL]

In Creakity Print, there is a repair thing on right click of a model. I have no idea if ut works as well. I suspect that it's also in Orca slicer since Creality Print 5 is based on Orca. I'm trying to remember, but doesn't Mesh Mixer sldo have a good repair option?

[@leslieh7110]

I failed to find it to be able to install it, but I did some searching, and found how to download the files to install them (and keep them to install as suits me). Unfortunately, I am hundreds of kilometers away from my computer, so I cannot link my source. However, the point remains that you can find the three install files you would need, and as long as the program will work in Windows, you can ensure that you can install it.

[@davespiff6417]

Flashprint will autodetect issues and promt to repair on import, has a great lithophane generator too, just export stl and use in any slicer

[@alijah1539]

I'm glad I have it installed and don't plan on resetting my computer any time soon

[@MegaDman42]

one rarely plans to have to do things like that ...

[@darkwood777]

I use 3D Builder weekly. Love to use it for simple models I need in a hurry. Plus I do use the repair utility on broken STL files that people send me. It came as an executable file with a version of Windows, but that was several years ago, so I don't recall which version. I also downloaded a copy from the Microsoft store for a Win11 laptop I bought last year.

[@donkoehler1102]

I use 3d Builder extensively. Just used it to assemble primitive shapes to make a rough monkey idol figure, then smooth out the details in meshmixer. The manifold repair is also key. I also use it to slice up stls so they are printable without supports or print in the stringest direction. Bad idea to let this one go. 3d builder, fusion 360 and mesh mixer are my jam.

[@segment932]

FreeCAD also has this feature its called Mesh Evaluation.

[@3dpprofessor]

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.

[@Sembazuru]

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+?

[@segment932]

@@Sembazuru step is superior to stl.

[@segment932]

@@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.

[@Sembazuru]

@@segment932 step may be superior to stl, but neither you nor I can control what format others release their models in. ;-)

[@TheLaXandro]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

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).

[@j-vlog002]

followed the link... the "Get" button is greyed out :(

[@nucleochemist]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

It did come natively with past versions. It looks like M$ is disabling it in Windows 11.

[@justinmurphy2227]

I use Bambu Studio and I gets a non-manifold edges or whatever statement usually when I'm cutting a model up in the slicer. I've never downloaded the program you're talking about and I have this option to repair whatever problem this is. I just thought it came standard now and Windows because it says Windows will repair this now. I guess I'm confused when you say you can't download it anymore and it might be going away.

[@smithy2]

I will be downloading this as soon as I can fix that fabulous Windows 10 (the constant problems addition)

[@HybridRobotix]

I just tried to download 3D Builder from the link you provided but there is no way to get the download.

[@dustinroberson1865]

I know you briefly talked about the issues that this fixes, but can you elaborate on it? I make plenty of models on Fusion, and I have yet to have a bad print from them. When modeling I take into consideration the layer heights/orientation that I plan on printing (If .2 layer height, I try to ensure with proper orientation, features end at .2 mm increments). Is there something I'm overlooking that could cause issues that would need this tool? Is it issues with the modeling software and how it creates the stl?

[@HulkinDK]

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?

[@3dpprofessor]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omeqmH6joL6Hr9E

[@3dpprofessor]

Yes, it does fix non-water-tight STLs.

[@stephencrg]

I thought i would download befroe it disappeared from the store, but alas the link isnt on the 3d Builder page of the Store, info on the app is but the link is missing.

[@AckzaTV]

So right click - fix model in bambu slicer/peusa slicer/orca slicer isn't good enough?

[@3dpprofessor]

It's one option.

[@trance_trousers]

I've used 3D Builder ever since I started 3D printing over 4 years ago. I use it to modify existing STLs and to create other simple models. I don't have the expertise to use Fusion 360 or anything like that, so if 3D Builder was ever removed by Microsoft I would not be happy!

[@tiepup]

I was not aware of this tool, but it looks like something I’ll use as fixing models on my Mac isn’t the easiest thing to do.

[@hightde13]

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.

[@cloud-forge]

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)

[@TheBrain2K]

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...

[@3dpprofessor]

That's what it says, but it works offline, so I think the repair algorithm is internal.

[@TheBrain2K]

@@3dpprofessor Well yeah, I meant some Windows library/service that runs locally. But they could still remove that in a future Windows update...

[@Jason-Kaczor]

@@TheBrain2K I was curious about this yesterday - the service looks like some sort of caching - not necessarily directly related to model repair. My question would be - is that fix capability coming from Bambu, or the underlying Prusa/OrcaSlicer original code-base?

[@rrittenhouse]

The "Get" button is greyed out for me now on Windows 10 in the store to install 3d Builder.

[@almag6872]

I've always just repaired my models in meshmixer . .is there much of a difference between that and 3D Builder?

[@TinaDanielsson]

Meshmixer is often unable to automatically fix more complex issues. It's very common that it removes pieces completely from the model instead of repairing them. I've never had any issues with repairing in 3D Builder 🙂

[@wadecrawford6445]

I use 3D builder to repair models that I get from other creators. For some reason a lot of models aren't defined properly.

[@electronron1]

I use 3D Builder for the same reason as you do.

[@peircedan]

I use it on occasion and find the repair feature useful and simple to use.

[@canuckchuck8836]

I use 3d Builder daily for my hobby needs. It is so easy and intuitive to make basic designs!

[@steprockmedia]

I've used that tool to repair models as well. I wonder if that functionality is in Blender or Cura or a common slcer?

[@3dpprofessor]

It's not in Blender for sure.

[@Orgruk]

I use the Mesh Tools plugin in Cura. I'm not sure if it does the same thing.

[@netgodsrdn]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

Does it let you export the mesh for upload online?

[@TheNewBloodDan]

It’s been part of my 3D modeling workflow….

[@Lusanagi]

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]

Are you on Windows 11? It appears to be incompatible.

[@MrPonquesito]

@@3dpprofessor yup no luck on win11 doesnt give option to download

[@Lusanagi]

@@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

[@Lusanagi]

@@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

[@Lusanagi]

@@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

[@mpvincent7]

I followed the link and got to the MS Store download option, clicked it and the resulting page has no download option... Looks like MS got ahead of me... Am I missing something? Thanks for putting this out there!

[@albertvermeule5844]

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.:-(

[@3dpprofessor]

GAH!

[@allanjones4283]

It's gone :-(. Link works, but can only share now.

[@deandavies1462]

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.

[@lyndonfoster1090]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

I think it doesn't work on Windows 11.

[@crunchysteve]

Reason why I have always used a mac. Not being smug but, being a unix system, if Apple kill something, I can just find a unix/linux equivalent and build the ware in the terminal.

[@elvendragonhammer5433]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

That sound even worse. Don't worry, I'm working on some alternatives.

[@ammusionist]

Can MeshMixer fix non-manifold meshes like this?

[@shakaworld3D]

I normally run all of my designs through it and it works very well

[@3SaukTrail]

I just tried downloading this (10/25/2024 - 14:14 CST) and it appears to be gone.

[@TedHeatherington]

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.

[@TheCumulusClimber]

same.

[@3dpprofessor]

I wonder if it's gone if you didn't already install it. Well that's even worse.

[@rosebuddesign635]

3d Buillder on Mac would be amazing. I always need to pull out my old PC laptop to use it.

[@AckzaTV]

Hmm having a 3d printed blender logo is pretty smart. I shoulda thought of that

[@grantbaxter554]

This is sad, I regularly use this when i need quickly throw something together, also had a nice feature to import graphics and then emboss them on models. Going to keep a win 10 vm kicking around for this if i can't find a way to rip it off something

[@MrBassard]

The "3D building" of 3D Builder always appeared to be built by someone that never did any kind of 3D designing

[@atnfn]

I've never needed this program, exactly what is it supposed to be doing?

[@3dpprofessor]

1:46

[@michaelarnold6848]

3d builder doesn't have a download link for me following your link. i think its now gone.

[@NekarXenos]

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

[@3dpprofessor]

There are some tricks, but sometimes it just doesn't matter what you do. You need an external tool to fix it.

[@NekarXenos]

@@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

[@Jokemeister1]

Orca Slicer seems to detect non manifold models and allows the user to click the message to fix it.

[@3dpprofessor]

Yes, but does it let you save it out for upload online?

[@christianbottger493]

​@@3dpprofessor yes, as STL or 3mf

[@edwardstephens936]

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?

[@3dpprofessor]

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.

[@christianbottger493]

​@@3dpprofessormeshmixer tends to cut half of your mesh or more away when repairing ...

[@TinaDanielsson]

@@christianbottger493 That's my issue with meshmixer too. It only seems to be able to handle very simple errors.

[@Radioman-pv5np]

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.

[@shogenx]

i cant download it from the store so it looks like its gone now

[@nickbutler7935]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

Apparently it doesn't work on Windows 11.

[@nickbutler7935]

@@3dpprofessor Mr Gates does not like the general Populace enjoying themselves for free.

[@Mr_MegaTronic]

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.

[@GeorgeSoftlySr]

it is no longer available even following your link. The store opened but the "GET" button will not highlight

[@3dpprofessor]

It appears that it's not Windows 11 compatible. Poo.

[@Sembazuru]

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.

[@3dpprofessor]

Actually PrusaSlicer and it's deritives work offline just fine. The mesh fixing is built in.

[@Sembazuru]

@@3dpprofessor Really? I could have sworn it was a cloud service. My apologies for spreading bad information in your comment section.

[@christianbottger493]

​@@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.

[@thegrafxguy1]

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.

[@sunriseshell]

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?

[@3dpprofessor]

Not that I know of. I'm working on some alternatives.

[@sunriseshell]

@@3dpprofessor Yeah I tried using winget to download it and no luck. :(

[@ackthbbft]

Looks like they already took it down, possibly even as a result of this video. The app store page (past the other purported "download" page) no longer has the Open button. :(

[@randyschoenbeck3630]

3d builder was my 1st and I'm disappointed in Microsoft for removing it as an easy starter option

[@mihalydozsa2254]

Is there a chance that Microsoft builds this feature in to the build in 3D print tool in Windows or the 3D viewer?

[@3dpprofessor]

I wouldn't bet money on it.

[@LightOfReason7]

I like and use 3D Builder all the time, hope they don't take it away