3D Printing
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
Move from digital concepts to physical prototypes with CAD tools for 3D modeling, geometry refinement, mesh repair, and file preparation. Whether you are developing product concepts, custom components, hobby projects, or engineering prototypes, xCAD 3D helps you create and prepare models for supported 3D printing workflows.
Explore xCAD 3DFrom Digital Model to Printed Part
Additive manufacturing builds physical objects from digital geometry, layer by layer. It supports rapid prototyping, intricate shapes, customization, and iterative product development. A successful print begins with a carefully constructed model and a suitable export file.
Develop 3D Geometry
Create parts using solid primitives, Boolean operations, extrusion, revolution, lofting, and other modeling tools available in your edition.
Prepare Models for Printing
Use supported mesh repair and model-checking tools to identify or correct geometry issues before sending a design to your print preparation software.
Exchange Design Files
Import supported CAD formats and export STL files where available, helping connect modeling work with compatible slicing and printing applications.
A Practical 3D Printing Workflow
Build your part, review its geometry, prepare a suitable mesh, and move the exported file into your chosen print preparation workflow.
Create the Part
Build shapes and features using 2D profiles and 3D tools.
Adjust Geometry
Modify solids, surfaces, and details to match the design.
Repair the Mesh
Use available repair and validation tools to address mesh issues.
Prepare to Print
Export a supported file and inspect it in your slicer before printing.
Tools for 3D Printing Projects
Explore modeling, mesh preparation, file import, and export capabilities. Edition availability is listed alongside each feature.
1. Model the Part
Create basic forms, build complex geometry, and refine a digital model before print preparation.
3D Extrusion, Sweep and Revolution
Generate 3D forms by extruding, sweeping, or revolving profiles. Surface extrusion is also available for supported flat 3D polylines and curves.
3D Primitives, Boolean Operations and Helixes
Create basic 3D shapes, combine or subtract objects with Boolean operations, and build helical forms for suitable designs.
Profile-Based Extrude, Sweep and Revolve
Turn 2D profiles into three-dimensional geometry using different shape-generation methods.
Advanced Lofting
Develop lofted forms using skinning techniques and sweep paths to connect selected profiles.
Shell and Face Offset Tools
Create shell geometry and offset faces to adjust supported model features and surfaces.
ACIS Solid Modeling Tools
Work with supported ACIS solid modeling capabilities, including Stretch Entity, Extract Entity, Push/Pull, and Twisted Extrude.
2. Repair and Prepare Meshes
Inspect and refine mesh geometry to help address common problems before transferring a model to your 3D printing workflow.
3D Print Repair Tool
Repair supported mesh errors that may interfere with downstream 3D printing preparation.
3D Print and Repair Tools
Use the available print repair workflow to address model issues before exporting or printing. Confirm the tools included in your release.
Surface and Mesh Modeling Tools
Work with lofting, NURBS support, and smooth surface meshes (SMesh) for supported geometry.
ACIS Faceter Surface Tolerance
Control surface tolerance during conversion to mesh geometry to help balance model detail and tessellation accuracy.
STL Import and Export
Import and export STL files for supported 3D printing and mesh-based workflows.
3. Import and Exchange CAD Files
Reuse existing design data and choose suitable file formats for your modeling and manufacturing workflow.
SketchUp Import
Import supported SketchUp files containing geometry, materials, and components.
STEP Import
Pro uses an ODA-based STEP importer. Platinum offers a high-precision ACIS-based STEP translator. Choose the appropriate route for your geometry and downstream requirements.
IGES Import
Pro includes an ODA-based IGES importer, while Platinum provides a high-precision ACIS-powered IGES translation option.
DWG and DXF Compatibility
Open supported AutoCAD DWG and DXF files for use in compatible drawing workflows.
Supported Import and Open Formats
Bring existing files into the software using the formats supported by each edition.
2D: 15 · Standard: 22 · Pro: 54 formats
Supported Export, Save As and Publish Formats
Save or publish files in compatible formats for sharing with other applications and platforms.
2D: 16 · Standard: 23 · Pro: 34 formats
4. Additional xCAD Tools
The following capabilities belong to the xCAD 3D product line listed in your supplied source, rather than the xCAD 3D edition matrix above.
3D Primitives and Boolean Operations
Create basic 3D forms and combine or subtract shapes to build more complex models.
3D Object Modification
Slice, explode, and define solids to adjust and refine model geometry.
3D Print Check
Check supported 3D models for potential printing issues before moving to production.
Surface Leak Test
Test surfaces for openings that may affect the integrity of a closed model.
Watertight Solid Test
Check whether a solid model is enclosed without gaps or holes that could affect print preparation.
Mesh Repair Tool
Repair open mesh edges and duplicate facets to help prepare models for further use.
Feature availability and file-format counts are based on the information supplied for this page. Mesh repair does not guarantee a successful print: results also depend on model geometry, wall thickness, printer technology, materials, slicer settings, and other manufacturing requirements. Verify product names, edition labels, and current format counts before publishing.
Prepare Your Next Model for 3D Printing
From simple prototypes to more detailed parts, explore CAD modeling and mesh preparation tools that can support your additive manufacturing workflow.
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