Rhino 3D Tip: 3MF Export Best Practices for Rhino

If you still default to STL for 3D printing from Rhino, it’s time to switch. 3MF preserves far more data, reduces export headaches, and travels cleanly to modern slicers.

Why 3MF beats STL for most workflows:

• Units are embedded, eliminating scale mistakes when moving between projects and slicers.
• Colors, materials, and textures are supported, enabling multi-color and multi-material prints.
• Multiple parts and assemblies stay grouped with per-part transforms and names.
• Metadata travels with the file (object names, hierarchy), aiding print prep and versioning.
• Compressed package format keeps textures and references inside one portable file.

Before you export from Rhino:

• Set document units to the units you’ll print with (often millimeters). 3MF stores units explicitly, but aligning your Rhino model reduces confusion.
• Audit geometry: use Check, ShowEdges (look for naked/non-manifold edges), and ShowVertexColors if applicable. For meshes, run CheckMesh and UnifyMeshNormals.
• Ensure watertightness: Cap planar openings, FillMeshHoles as needed, and verify closed solids.
• Right-size meshing: when exporting NURBS to 3MF, use Detailed Controls—avoid overly dense meshes (large file sizes) or overly coarse ones (faceting).
• Wall thickness: use ThicknessAnalysis or section cuts to confirm printability for your nozzle and material.

Export settings that matter (File > Export Selected > 3MF):

• Include materials and textures: if your model uses bitmaps, enable Save Textures so they embed into the 3MF package.
• Normals and UVs: write vertex normals and texture coordinates for consistent shading and mapping in slicers.
• Names and hierarchy: keep sensible object names and layers; many slicers read these and display them in the parts list.
• Meshing profile: pick an angular tolerance and maximum edge length that balances accuracy and file weight.

Working with multi-part and multi-material jobs:

• Group or use Blocks for assemblies; 3MF preserves separate parts for slicer-based arrangement and per-part settings.
• For color workflows, assign per-object materials or vertex colors; many slicers (e.g., PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio) read 3MF color data.
• Use 3DPrint to scale to a target build volume before export if you’re testing different printer envelopes.

Troubleshooting quick wins:

• Unexpected gaps? Run MeshRepair and ShowEdges to locate small cracks; re-mesh or rebuild if necessary.
• Wrong size in slicer? Confirm document units and verify that the slicer is honoring the 3MF unit setting.
• Texture missing? Re-save with Save Textures enabled or re-pack the file and re-link images inside Rhino first.

When to still use STL: simple, single-material parts where color and metadata don’t matter and you want maximal compatibility with legacy pipelines. Otherwise, 3MF is the modern, safer default.

Pro tip: Standardize a 3MF export preset in your team to keep meshing quality, naming, and texture embedding consistent across projects. If you need Rhino licenses, upgrades, or expert advice, connect with NOVEDGE at NOVEDGE. For add-ons and integrations that streamline printing from Rhino, you’ll also find a curated catalog at NOVEDGE.

You can find all the Rhino products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.