Print3D PropertyManager - Preview Tab

You can use the Preview tab of the Print3D PropertyManager to run preview analyses to evaluate the current print job.

To access the Print3D PropertyManager:

  • Click File > Print3D.

Build Analysis

  Show faces that require supports Enables analysis of face support.
Set angle from vertical Specifies the support threshold based on the angle from vertical.

Faces that extend more than this angle relative to the print bed must be supported using geometry during 3D printing.
  Support face color Specifies faces that require supports.

Click Edit Color to change the support face color.
  Supports not required Specifies faces that do not require supports.

Click Edit Color to change color of faces that do not require support.
  Show as transparent Sets the geometry that does not need support as transparent so that you can see the areas that need support.
Layer height Specifies the layer height of the striation lines.

The default layer height is 0.3mm, which corresponds to a coarse printer resolution with a relatively fast printer speed.
  Show striation lines Displays striation lines on the model as a texture.
  Show as bump map (RealView only) Displays striation lines as a bump map.
To view striation lines as a bump map:
  • RealView must be enabled in the SOLIDWORKS software.
  • Show striation lines that require support must be cleared.
  Generate slices (for 3MF export) Saves slicing information when you export to a .3mf file.

Available when you specify a bottom plane on the Settings tab.
Minimum edge length Specifies the smallest edge included in a polyline for a slice.

This edge corresponds to the smallest linear segment that a 3D printer can print.
  Generated Slices Displays the calculated number of slices based on the bottom plane, layer height, and minimum edge length.

Click Preview Slices to calculate this value.
  Preview Slices Generates a preview of slices.

Available when you specify a bottom plane on the Settings tab and a layer height on the Preview tab.

To interrupt the preview generation, close the PropertyManager.
  Thickness/Gap Analysis Using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), calculates the ideal wall thickness/gap based on the material and layer height.
  Custom thickness and gap Select to specify values for thickness and angle.
  FDM Material Specifies the FDM material.
  Ideal wall thickness for this material/layer height Displays the calculated wall thickness based on the FDM material and layer height.

This value updates when you change the material and layer height.

  Sensitivity Changes the angle from 170 to 179 degrees. Move the slider to the left side for 170 degrees and to the right side for 179 degrees.

Available when you select Thickness/Gap Analysis.
  Thickness/Gap Specifies a thickness/gap width.

Available when you select Custom thickness and gap.
  Angle Specifies the angle between faces.

Available when you select Custom thickness and gap.
  Calculate Runs the thickness/gap analysis.

Available when you select Thickness/Gap Analysis.