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MeshMixer--the best companion for those being initiated into 3D printing
June 26, 2021

MeshMixer--the best companion for those being initiated into 3D printing

Ralph Zoontjens | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Autodesk MeshMixer

We use Autodesk MeshMixer for nearly all parts that go to the 3D printer. Its remesh and auto-repair functionalities are essential for being able to convert into a watertight model. When parts need rework such as thickening or resculpting certain areas, Autodesk MeshMixer rushes to the rescue, saving essential time. It is even possible to add custom supports in a better way than most slicers do.
  • Auto-repair function works fast, and if it does not completely cover all problem areas, manual fixes will work 99.5% of the time.
  • Remeshing algorithm is fairly slow but does a wonderful job in creating meshes with homogeneous or adaptive triangulation.
  • It contains a comprehensive set of tools to optimize and prepare STL files for 3D printing, such as hollowing and support generation.
  • The remeshing tool needs to be faster, as in some cases it takes up to a day of waiting time.
  • The sculpting tools need the addition of a proper brush for creating sharp creases and ridges.
  • The standard shape library is rather limited. It would be nice to have this connected to online repositories such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Cults3D.
  • STL file repair
  • Remeshing
  • File conversion
  • It speeds up projects by streamlining the CAD-to-3D-printing workflow
  • As an advanced user, I have written a few tutorials about it as well
Using Blender for STL file preparation is like swatting a mosquito with a wrecking ball, plus its boolean functionalities can be glitchy.

ZBrushCoreMini proved too limiting as a sculpting tool, but so did Autodesk MeshMixer, so I am sticking to Sculptris.

Materialise Magics and Netfabb are somewhat better at STL file repair and offer more advanced functionalities. But Magics does not remesh as well and Autodesk MeshMixer is far more compact and faster than Netfabb, so remains my weapon of choice.

Do you think Autodesk MeshMixer delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Autodesk MeshMixer's feature set?

Yes

Did Autodesk MeshMixer live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Autodesk MeshMixer go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Autodesk MeshMixer again?

Yes

Autodesk MeshMixer is best for repairing STL files and basic modifications toward 3D printing. It is excellent for hollowing out models and adding escape holes for SLA printing or lost-wax casting. Its CSG (Boolean) functions to combine different meshes are good too and seldom cause the program to crash. There is even an integrated algorithm to optimize the layout of multiple files on a print bed in case of small-batch production. Autodesk MeshMixer's sculpting tools are there yet limited and there are a few better alternatives. Best of all, it is completely free.