Reducing file size - Face count - BuildBee Support

Reducing file size - Face count


BuildBee has a limit of 30MB for STL files to avoid long wait times for slicing. Usually, files this large are either physically too big for the printer to produce or the detail (face count) is too high.

You can reduce it easily by using a free Microsoft app called 3D Builder, or by using Meshmixer (an option for Mac users).

 

3D Builder

- Import your model into the software and go to 'Edit' > 'Simplify' in the menu.

3D Builder simplify button

- Use the slider labelled 'Reduction level' to decrease the amount of faces. If you go too far, you will notice the shapes deform a little bit.

3D Builder reduce face count before
3D Builder reduce face count after

- Click the 'Reduce faces' button and save your model.

3D Builder save

 - Upload the new version of your file to BuildBee!

 

Meshmixer

- Import your model and choose the ‘Select’ option from the side menu. Then, using the select tool, double-click on your model, which will select your entire mesh.

Meshmixer select

- Click on the ‘Edit…’ option from the new menu that pops up and select ‘Reduce’ from the list of options.

Meshmixer reduce

- You can now reduce the face count using the tool that appears. There are a few options to play around with in comparison with 3D Builder, but the easiest method is to use the percentage slider. The number represents the percentage of reduction in face count and file size. Watch for changes in your model as you slide the bar to avoid deforming your model too much. Click 'accept' and watch the number of vertices and triangles drop, indicating a decrease in face count and file size.

Meshmixer reduce percentage

- Make sure to save these changes to your model.

Meshmixer save

- Upload the new version of your file to BuildBee!


    • Related Articles

    • BuildBee model upload failures

      If a model you upload to BuildBee fails to upload successfully, it is easy to identify and fix. Step 1 - Confirm if your upload failed - Firstly, your model will fail to produce a preview image: - Secondly, if you attempt to print the model it will ...

    • Repairing a model

      If BuildBee prevents you from printing a model or it doesn't print properly, there may be an issue with how the model was created. Usually, you are able to fix these bad models by 'repairing' them using either Microsoft 3D Builder or Netfabb Online ...

    • Model analysis failed

      If BuildBee prevents you from printing a model or it doesn't print properly, there may be an issue with how the model was created. You may see a message like the ones below: Step 1 - Repair the model - A lot of these errors are caused by models that ...

    • Bulk upload users

      Easily set up your BuildBee site by bulk uploading your users directly to groups. Step 1 - Sign in to BuildBee  - Sign in to BuildBee with an account that is able to manage groups and users. Step 2 - Access a group - Go to the groups section of ...

    • Importing 3D models into BuildBee

      Importing 3D models into your BuildBee account is easy. You can can also import your designs directly from TinkerCAD! Uploading from a computer - Select the upload 'plus' icon: - This will take you to the plater. You can choose to upload a model as ...