Non-manifold edges/vertices
Automatic "Mesh cleaner" tool Run a scan with the mesh cleaning tool, which notifies you of any non-manifold edges or points. If you are in the "suppression" tab, click "apply".…
Hole filling
"Fill holes" tools "Fill holes" is quite an efficient tool, offering many settings that can solve most cases of non-watertight meshes. To do this, click the icon located in the…
Fixing common errors
Useful tools Before starting this chapter on repairing the most common issues when preparing your data for 3D printing, here is a description of some tools that will be useful…
Mesh analysis
General information An "Information" icon that informs you about the geometry of the mesh can be found at the bottom of the toolbar. Automatic error detection Once your mesh has…
Analysing and exporting your 3D model
Measuring elements and distances While it is always easier to model directly using the right dimensions, thicknesses, and distances, it is sometimes necessary to measure parts of an existing volume.…
Text and patterns
You can add text or raised patterns on your object using Sculpteo's tools but you can also do it in CATIA. If you want to add text to your model,…
Hollowing your model
Making a hollow model is a common task in modeling for 3D printing. Indeed, it helps limit the amount of material used to what is strictly necessary, thereby limiting the…
Surface modeling: “Generative Shape Design” (GSD) workbench
Although surfaces are not directly usable for 3D printing, it is possible to use surface modeling by converting all surfaces into volume bodies before exporting. Therefore it must be modeled…
Model a correct closed volume
CATIA offers two main types of models: Solid and surface. For these, there are two different workbenches you can use: 1. Part design exclusively for solid modeling 2. Generative Shape Design for…
Prepare your model for 3D printing with CATIA V5
This tutorial is for 3D printing enthusiasts who are already familiar with CATIA and would like to know the tricks for making a 3D printable model with CATIA. Throughout this…
