Course Content
Module 2: 3D Printers & Materials
This section gives an overview of the various 3D Printer components, 3D Printer types and materials.
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Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
This lesson provides a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of file extensions in the 3D Printing.
0/6
Module 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling
Start designing your own printable objects with easy-to-use modeling tools. This module introduces you to beginner-friendly 3D modeling software and teaches you how to create objects that are optimized for the printing process.
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Module 5: Slicing and G-Code
Before printing, models need to be sliced into printable layers. Learn how slicing software works, how to adjust print settings like layer height and infill, and how the slicer generates the G-code that your printer uses to build the object.
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Module 6: The Print Process
Now it’s time to bring your models to life. Learn how to set up your printer, load materials, calibrate settings, and start your first print. This module also covers how to identify and fix common printing issues like warping or layer shifting.
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Module 7: Post-Processing
After printing, your model might need some finishing work. Discover how to remove supports, sand rough edges, paint your models, and combine printed parts into assemblies. These techniques can take your prints from good to great.
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Module 8: Introduction to 3D Scanning
Learn how physical objects can be digitized using 3D scanning technology. This module introduces different scanning methods, software for cleaning and editing scan data, and how scanning is used in design, repair, and reverse engineering.
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Module 9: Real-World Applications
Explore how 3D printing is transforming industries like healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace. See case studies and examples of how professionals use 3D printing to solve real problems and prototype new ideas.
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Module 10: The Business of 3D Printing
In this module, students explore how 3D printing extends beyond the workshop and into the world of business, sustainability, and emerging markets. From eco-conscious manufacturing to digital entrepreneurship, learners discover how additive manufacturing is reshaping supply chains, product development, and global commerce. The module begins by examining sustainability trends, showing how 3D printing reduces waste, supports local production, and enables environmentally friendly materials. Students then move into the future of additive technologies, including bioprinting, AI-driven design, and off-planet construction. The module also highlights how 3D printing enables new business models—from custom product startups and digital part libraries to contract printing services and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Students gain insight into market opportunities, value propositions, and the strategic use of 3D printing to create value across industries. Whether learners aim to start a business, join an innovative company, or simply understand the economics behind additive manufacturing, this module equips them with the tools and trends that define the future of 3D printing as a business.
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Private: 3D Printing Fundamentals.

🎯 Lesson: Mesh Cleanup

🧠 Focus: Learn how to clean up and optimize scanned 3D models by repairing geometry, reducing noise, and preparing them for modeling or printing.


✅ Lesson Summary

After completing a 3D scan, the resulting mesh is rarely perfect. It often includes noise, holes, overlapping geometry, or unnecessary complexity. Mesh cleanup is the essential post-scan step that transforms raw scan data into usable 3D models. This lesson introduces key tools and techniques used to polish and refine your scanned models.


🎓 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Understand common mesh issues in raw 3D scan data

  • Use basic mesh editing tools to clean, fill, and repair 3D models

  • Optimize mesh quality for 3D printing, modeling, or simulation

  • Use free and professional mesh editing software effectively

  • Export finalized meshes in usable formats


📘 Lesson Content


🟩 1. What Is a Mesh?

A mesh is the 3D surface of your scanned object, made up of vertices, edges, and faces (typically triangles).
Scanned meshes are usually stored in formats like .STL, .OBJ, or .PLY.

Common mesh issues:

  • Holes: Gaps in the surface caused by missing data

  • Non-manifold geometry: Faces or edges that confuse slicers or 3D editors

  • Noise: Unwanted bumps or spikes

  • Overlapping geometry: Double surfaces or intersecting faces

  • Too many polygons: Overly complex mesh, hard to edit or print


🟨 2. Basic Mesh Cleanup Workflow

  1. Import scan data into mesh editing software

  2. Isolate and delete floating or stray mesh fragments

  3. Repair holes using auto-fill or manual patching

  4. Remove noise with smooth/relax filters

  5. Simplify (decimate) mesh if needed

  6. Check for watertightness for 3D printing


🟥 3. Mesh Editing Tools and Software

Software Key Features Cost
MeshLab Open-source, great for cleaning and reducing Free
Blender Powerful editing and sculpting tools Free
Netfabb Automatic repairs, STL validation Free (Basic)
Fusion 360 Mesh Workspace Converts mesh to solid, editing CAD-style Free/Paid
ZBrush (ZRemesher) Artistic retopology and mesh polish tools Paid
Geomagic / Artec Studio High-end scan-to-CAD mesh tools Paid

🟦 4. Hole Filling and Repairing

  • Automatic fill: Most tools offer “Close holes” or “Fill all” functions

  • Manual patching: Use vertex/edge tools for more control

  • Bridge tool: Fill a gap by connecting two edges

  • Watertight check: Ensures model is fully enclosed (important for printing)

🔧 MeshLab: Use Filters > Remeshing, Simplification > Close Holes


🟧 5. Noise Reduction and Smoothing

Scans may have surface “jitter” or spikes due to lighting or motion.

Tools to use:

  • Smooth filter: Relaxes jagged geometry

  • Remove isolated pieces: Deletes floating geometry

  • Shrinkwrap or remesh: Conforms surface to a smoother form

🛑 Avoid over-smoothing – you may lose surface detail!


🟪 6. Simplification / Decimation

Raw scans often have millions of polygons.

  • Decimation reduces face count while preserving shape

  • Use tools like “Quadratic Edge Collapse Decimation” (MeshLab)

  • A lower-poly model is easier to edit, render, or slice

  • Balance detail with file size and performance

🧠 Rule of thumb: ~50k faces is ideal for most printable models


🟫 7. Exporting Cleaned Meshes

Once cleaned, export in a suitable format for your next task:

Format Use Case
.STL 3D printing; watertight, no color
.OBJ 3D modeling and animation; supports texture
.PLY Point cloud and color-scanning workflows
.3MF Modern printing workflows with metadata

📝 Always validate the exported mesh in a slicer or modeling tool before use.


🧠 Summary

Mesh cleanup is an essential skill for anyone working with scanned models. Whether you’re prepping for 3D printing or modeling, removing defects and optimizing your mesh ensures a smoother workflow and better results.

Mesh Cleanup Checklist:

✅ Remove stray or broken geometry
✅ Fill holes and close gaps
✅ Reduce polygon count without losing detail
✅ Smooth noisy surfaces carefully
✅ Export in the correct format for your workflow


📂 Optional Activities

Assignment:

  1. Download a raw mesh from a scanner or 3D scan repository

  2. Use MeshLab or Blender to:

    • Remove noise or fragments

    • Fill holes and make watertight

    • Simplify the mesh

  3. Export the cleaned model and upload screenshots of before/after


📎 Additional Resources

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