Some years ago it was unthinkable that homes could have a 3D printer for domestic use. But this technology is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to new companies getting involved in printer manufacturing and the low cost of components. Although its price is still somewhat high, we believe that in the very near future the 3D printer will become another household item. That's why we present the program MatterControl, a 3D meshing tool that can be used to edit and create 3D objects for subsequent 3D printing. The platform will let you create a 3D object in layers (with preview) to print directly on a G-Code-based 3D printer.
MatterControl's three-panel interface
Store: In this panel, you can buy 3D material and get images for inspiration and also access guides.
Library: There you'll find a powerful library with shapes, projects, and folders.
Hardware: In Hardware you'll find all the options for print materials and printer settings.
Free 3D modeling program for 3D printers
From the library you can add a large number of primitive objects that you can leave in their original state or customize to the maximum in the workspace. From the history folder, you'll access the history of your shapes or your previous projects.
The platform's workspace is very easy to use. In the top right, you'll find a cube with six sides. From there you can move the workspace in all directions. On the left, you'll find the toolbar, where you can drag and drop shapes. And in the workspace you'll see a layer manager to edit them.
Now we'll list some of the tools you'll find in the environment:
- Lay Flat
- Make Support
- Duplicate
- Group / Ungroup
- Combine
- Subtract
- Subtract and replace
- Intersect
- Pinch
- Curve
- Fit to limit
- Linear, radial, advanced arrangement, and more
Depending on your printer, with the program you can add up to five print materials. You can do the 3D printing of the object directly from the utility. MatterControl is a free program available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
