Why has the best 3D printing tool ever been removed from the Microsoft store?

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[StemfieD]

This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason – that my tools won't disappear in the future – I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project.

Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?

[OspreyLanthrax]

Apart from the non-manifold problem fixing, I also find this little minimalist application fantastic for embossing personalizations on round products which I sell. I really hope it does not just suddenly stop working.

[JonS]

Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.

[wreckexplorer]

I have to check if it is still there but Prusa slicer has a "netfabb" repair option. Right mouse button on model 🍻

[OnceinaSixSide]

There is a way to still download and install it on Windows 11 "direct" from Microsoft, I uploaded a short detailing the process a couple of weeks ago. You do need a third party website to reveal the download location on MS servers for you, but if you inspect the download it's definitely coming from them. Sucks that they're doing this and I hope as well this doesn't mean the end of 3D builder. It's one of the best tools in a 3D printers toolbox, not only for the repair tool but just as a quick and dirty digital kitbasher it's wonderful. Especially that planar slice tool!

[cnphrog]

I absolutely use this tool for exactly what you stated....fix models that others have sent me that don't want to slice properly. I have also used it to help split models that were too large, or had multiple parts that I only needed 1 piece of. I have also used it to join models that I used to do 3D milling on my CNC. Please don't let them take it away!!

[MrLzender]

Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.

[greenwaynegreen]

No matter what I could not download it via Microsoft so had to go to Softonic to download. So true how easy it is to use. Fixed my print. Added text like a dream. Edited my part in a heart beat. Just what the doctor ordered. Easiest software that does exactly what I need and free. Blow your mind amazing. Wish I had found this a year ago for all those failed prints.

[severpop]

Forget Microsoft, the non-manifold problem fixing is available on Repetier for example, and most of the times works perfectly.
And it works on Linux, Mac and Windows.

[PrintingPressD]

for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D

[johntheblindman]

Orca Slicer on Windows has this feature and it will throw a warning if an STL needs repairs. Just right click on the object and select Repair STL

[TGAWD]

Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.

[lesterspicer]

It also has an amazing ability to easily join multiple models/STL's together.

[GeekTranslation]

Never knew of this tool until now.... going to check into it

[michaellin]

I use the "drop item" feature on that program to simulate gravity, makes printing organic objects much simpler

[nath]

that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.

[fenceup]

I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts.
I always thought it had never been Finnish.
It's also underrated, not many on here on YouTube ever mention it.
I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.

[Lindsey-stjw]

Just checked, and it opens up in the microsoft store, but there is no download button for me :(

[TitanDAZ]

Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...

[michaelcheverie]

I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.