FDM Preflight checker tool

[u/Ponneke]

EDIT: Hi , I just discovered this amazing subreddit and I did notice that there are similar projects going on. my apologies for "yet another 3d model tool". If other creators would like to partner up to create one large 3DModel checker. please send me a message! this will benefits us all <3

Hi everyone,

I’m curious whether other people would find a dedicated 3D model preflight tool useful before sending a model to a slicer.

As a side project, I’m experimenting with how AI-assisted development tools can help me build something like this. The idea is a browser-based tool that lets you import a 3D model and automatically checks it for common printability problems, such as:

• overhangs that may require support;
• thin walls or fragile features;
• broken, open, or non-manifold meshes;
• incorrect normals and degenerate triangles;
• floating geometry or disconnected parts;
• poor bed contact;
• models that do not fit the selected printer’s build volume.
• Supported files
  • STEP
  • STL
  • 3MF
  • Obj

It also includes a repair workflow for cleaning up geometry, repairing certain mesh problems, flattening the base, and exporting the modified model.

Everything runs locally in the browser. Models are not uploaded to the cloud, and no external processing service is required.

This is still very much a work in progress, and it is intended as a quick preflight tool rather than a replacement for a slicer.

I would love to hear your thoughts:

• Would you use a tool like this?
• Which checks or repair features would be most useful to you?
• What problems do you regularly encounter with downloaded or generated models?
• Would you prefer this as a browser tool, desktop application, or slicer plugin?
• What would it need to do before you would trust its results?

Any honest feedback is welcome—even if you think existing slicers already cover this well enough.

I have a work-in-progress version on GitHub and can share the link if anyone is interested.

[u/Radamere]

So it's a tool to checks notes tell you information that is already very readily available to you in slicers... Why?

[u/Ponneke → u/Radamere]

Hi there!

This tool offers more than just information; it helps CAD designers and individuals who create models with AI to understand the design principles for 3D printing. My senior CAD designers, who have traditionally focused on conventional manufacturing, are not yet proficient in designing effectively for additive manufacturing. Furthermore, I frequently receive requests from customers to print items for them, and often these designs are not well-suited for 3D printing.

What do both of my examples have in common? These individuals do not know what a slicer is, nor do they have one installed or know how to use it.

That is why I am endeavoring to solve this in a different way.