Established engineering software business LimitState has released a new software application, LimitState:FIX, which automatically fixes 3D model files. This simplifies the process of preparing 3D models for printing.
Utilising the unique Polygonica technology from engineering software technology firm MachineWorks, the software promises to transform the productivity of professionals in additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
3D models that fail to print is one of the most frustrating issues for designers, engineers, jewellers and 3D bureaux. It wastes significant working time for many 3D businesses and is a keenly felt business issue.
LimitState:FIX solves this problem. It provides a ‘one click’ automatic fix solution for 3D STL files, thereby enabling them to be printed. When the user opens an STL file in LimitState:FIX, the file is analysed, and can then be automatically fixed. Specifically, LimitState:FIX analyses and repairs holes in solids and fixes defective mesh files. It closes solids, fixes polygon orientation, removes self-intersections and noise shells, and ensures the geometry is manifold.
In testing with customers, LimitState:FIX performed significantly better than other tools for challenging 3D models. Some tools will report that they have fixed issues in a file, when actually errors still remain that prevent printing. In contrast, LimitState:FIX will address these issues and will almost always enable printing.
The tool is particularly useful for 3D bureaux. Many bureaux designers spend much of their time fixing client STL files. This time can be radically reduced, enabling bureaux designers to be more creative, and increasing the productivity and profitability of the business.
LimitState:FIX is already in use by the Mercury Centre, which specialises in printing metallic parts for the automotive and aerospace industries. They are using the software to fix errors in customers’ 3D files that other tools cannot fix. For fast turnaround jobs this can be a lifesaver. Everth Hernandez Nava commented “I spent many hours trying to manually fix a model with other professional tools, but LimitState:FIX did the job in under a minute.”
“3D printing has come a long way but there are still many businesses that have trouble getting their files to print”, LimitState Managing Director Matthew Gilbert commented. “LimitState:FIX will fix almost all 3D files and ensure they print. It complements the existing 3D design and engineering tools out there very well. LimitState:FIX adds a whole new level of model fixing capability. It’s a dedicated fixing tool, designed to do one thing really well, using the unique Machineworks’ Polygonica tool set.”
“LimitState:FIX shows just how much scope there is for enhancing 3D software using our technology”, commented Polygonica Marketing Manager Cristina Sesma. “Users can fix so many problems so fast with this software that it’s a game changer for busy 3D printers, whether they are bureaux, engineers or designers. We’ve got 20 years of experience in 3D engineering and manufacturing software and it’s great to bring this technology into the mainstream 3D printing market.”
