In the following article we would like to find out the reasons why Autodesk`s free Meshmixer tool (should be use in creation process of a 3D configurator) is still supported.
Why is such a question relevant at this time= Simply because Autodesk has recently “cleaned up” its free tools and made major changes to its 123D suite and Netfabb tool.
These tools have mainly been purchased by Autodesk in recent years and there is widespread opinion that only to maintain their user base for future migration to paid tools.
One of the tools is Meshmixer.
Meshmixer is undoubtely the indispensable “Swiss Army Knife” for anyone working with 3D printing technology. It does not create 3D models, but it allows them to perform a number of critical operations on 3D models, but it allows them to perform a number of critical operations on 3D models, including sizing, orientation, cutting, cleaning, repairing, and mixing 3D models. You can only get by with your 3D printer manufacturer`s tools, but Meshmixer does so much more than is often available in manufacturer tools.
It was a stand-alone 3D model manipulation program created in 2009 by Ryan Schmidt of Toronto, in 2011, it was sold to Autodesk, where it developed more or less separately from other Autodesk products.
During this time, Autodesk gradually introduced these new tools into the 123D suite, which they then shut down or assigned to other projects. For some reason, however, Meshmixer was never involved in these maneuvers.
Today, Meshmixer continues to be supported by Autodesk and is constantly updated, including one from last month.
Why should Autodesk leave this tool alone while most others have been banned? It still exists as part of their “Research” program, We believe we have found the cause.
If you are in the mesh mixer, you will see a visual representation of the 3D build volume in which you can edit the 3D model. But what volume of the 3D printer is used?
This is set with a harmless pop-up menu in the upper right corner. If you select it, you will get a very long list of 3D printers, 95 in the current version. The list is very interesting.
The list of printers includes a number of popular 3D printers typically used by amateur artists and professionals alike, such as Dremel, Flashforge, Formlans, Lulzbot, MakerGear, Printrbot, SeeMeCNC, Tinkerine, Ultimaker, Up and Zortrax.
Industrial 3D printers such as Arcam, Concept laser, EOS, ExOne, MarkForged, MCOR, Renishaw and Stratasys are also included.
Yes, you will find very expensive machines on this list, such as the high-end polymer printers EOS Formigam Fortus 900mc or Objet500 Connex3 as well as the even more expensive 3D metal printers Arcam Q20, Concept laser M2 and EOS M290.
Why should Autodesk include industrial plant options in this “hobby” tool? Equipment that costs millions of dollars in some cases.
Because it isn`t.
Autodesk positions the former “hobby” tool as a suitable tool that should be used by everyone in the 3D printing industry, from beginners to professionals with expensive equipment.
And that`s why Meshmixer is still in demand.
One change that we will see in the future is a paid version of Meshmixer or an integration of the long refined features directly into some of their paid products, but so far this has not happened.