03.06.2024
Introducing the Formlabs Texture Engine, currently available in beta. This free, lightweight, web-based app is designed to quickly apply textures to 3D models, ready to be 3D printed. Many plastic parts incorporate surface textures and patterns to enhance the look and feel or to optimize the part for an intended application. Typically, this is done as a secondary process, but 3D printing makes it possible to apply textures and patterns directly to files for printing.
Traditionally, texturing is added directly to the surface of a machined mold via a photochemical etching or laser etching process. 3D printing technologies can produce parts with enough detail to directly print textured parts, but even with the most advanced CAD tools, applying texture can be a difficult process.
To apply a texture to a part, most engineers or product designers export their CAD body as a mesh and bring it into a mesh editing tool designed for artists and designers. With the Formlabs Texture Engine, it’s possible to quickly apply surface textures and patterns to 3D models for fast iterations and the production of textured or patterned 3D printed parts.
