Slicing Data for 3MF Export

You can generate slices from precise SOLIDWORKS® geometry to export to a 3D Manufacturing Format (.3mf) file without saving the geometry to a mesh file.

Slices represent the highest fidelity of SOLIDWORKS geometry based on the minimum segment length, resulting in slices with the highest accuracy that a 3D printer can print.

To slice data for 3MF export:

  1. Open a part and click File > Print3D .
  2. On the Settings tab, for Bottom plane of model, select a plane.
  3. On the Preview tab, specify options:
    Option Description
    Layer height Specifies the layer height of the striation lines.
      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.
      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.

    If you change the bottom plane, layer height, or minimum edge length, click Preview Slices to regenerate the slices.

    After you click Preview Slices, the slices appear in yellow on the part.

    Before previewing slices After previewing slices
  4. Click the Settings tab.
  5. Expand the Save To File section.
  6. For Format, select 3D Manufacturing Format (*.3mf) and click Save File.
  7. In the Save As dialog box:
    1. For Save as type, select 3D Manufacturing Format (.3mf).
    2. Click Options.
    3. In the System Options - STL/3MF/AMF dialog box, select Include slices to include slicing information in the exported file, and click OK.
    4. Click Save.
    The .3mf file contains slices generated from precise geometry. Use this file with a 3D printer that can read slice information.