3D Modeling Program

How Z Corporation's 3DP software works with standard 3D modeling programs for rapid prototyping and other applications

3D modeling programs such as 3D CAD, the first application to create 3D data, have quickly become the gold standard for almost all design development processes, including rapid prototyping and architectural rendering. Industries such as automotive, footwear, package design and architectural design rely heavily on 3D modeling programs because of the incredible benefits they offer, such as faster turnaround, better visualization, and a more cost-effective reuse of 3D data for a wide variety of applications such as scale model building and functional testing.

Z Corporation's ZPrint™ software technology leverages and complements existing 3D modeling programs with a suite of powerful, easy to use software packages to work with our 3D printers. Whether you're creating architectural models or preparing rapid prototyping models, ZPrint software can create a seamless transition between 3D modeling programs such as 3D CAD and a perfect finished product on one of our 3D printers. Z Corp's 3D printers are directly compatible with many 3D modeling programs, such as SolidWorks®, Maya®, RapidForm™, 3D Studio Viz®, Pro/ENGINEER®, SketchUp®, and many others.

ZPrint™ software is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for preparing 3D modeling programs for optimal printing on Z Corp. 3D printers

Here's how it works: after exporting a solid file from a 3D modeling program, users can open up their file in the ZPrint™ desktop interface. ZPrint™ automatically cuts the object into digital cross sections, or layers, creating a 2D image of the object which is ready to print. In addition users can also manipulate other options such as orientation, scale, color, and labeling before sending their model to print. When ready to print, the user simply sends the cross-sectioned object to the 3DP (three-dimensional-printer) via a standard network.

ZPrint's™ key features include:

• A broad range of input/output formats from all major 3D modeling programs
• Multiple file import enables nesting and simultaneous printing of parts
• 3D view of build box improves visualization of building process
• Editing functions give user the ability to pan, scale, and rotate parts
• The print time estimator allows users to maximize their time by planning accurate print time

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