Getting Started: Scene Editor in Voxelizer – ZMorph Knowledge Base

The working process in Voxelizer software is divided into three stages: Scene Editor, Voxel Editor and G-code Editor. In this article you will learn different options available in the first stage, which allows editing the stage for your prints.

Whenever you open up the Voxelizer software, you automatically find yourself in the scene editor.

Depending on the toolhead you plan to work with, you should select the correct workflow before editing other parameters. You can do this before or after opening a file with an object, but remember that some files will only be visible when the correct workflow is selected.
For example: DXF-files will not be rendered and visible in the window when 3D Printing is selected, but will appear after selecting 2D milling, laser cutting or chocolate/ceramics workflow.

In this article we will continue to use the 3D printing workflow. You can search our Knowledge Base for articles about other workflows soon.

TRANSFORMATIONS

Mesh Transformation menu can be used for adjusting your model in relationship to the working area of the ZMorph printer.

When viewing 3D models, use the mouse to navigate in the window: LMB rotates the area, RMB moves it. To zoom in or out use the scroll. It’s useful when you try to plan where on the worktable your models should be placed.

You can add (the "+" button next to the file name), subtract (select and delete), scale and rotate (sliders or type manually) or move (drag and drop) your object as you wish individually or use the auto-align option and let the Voxelizer place the objects.

Whenever you open a 3D model file, the object will have the dimensions and X,Y, Z orientation as were previously set in your modeling program during the file export. Voxelizer software allows size and orientation adjustments but we recommend that you set your desired parameters already in the modeling software in order to make the 3D printing workflow easier.

Default Scale setting is always 1 when importing a file and actual dimensions of the selected object can be seen in the upper right corner.

The visible grey square represents the actual ZMorph’s heated bed size.

When you rotate the object, you can see how many degrees it has been moved by pulling the slider. You can also type in the angle you’d like to rotate it.

When adding more than one object, remember that they will always appear automatically in the middle of the table. This means that they can cover each other and it can be hard to see how many there are. In such case you can try moving them around or just press the auto-align button.

CONNECTION

If you plan to use Voxelizer software directly in connection with the ZMorph 3D printer and manage your prints from your computer, then you need to connect those two together. This can be done through a toolbar in the lower right corner of the screen.

Available connection methods include: Telnet, Serial and HID.

When you connect your printer with a provided USB-cable, select the HID method, choose printer’s number (should automatically appear in the menu) and press the connect button.

MENU BAR

In the upper left corner of Voxelizer software window you can find following options: File, View and Toolbar menus.

The file menu is mostly for saving, opening, importing and exporting files. After opening your 3D models you can save or export them to a variety of file types. You can also find shortcut icons for mostly used opening functions on the right.

Two very important options in File menu are "set import unit" and "set Voxel size". Import unit should be the same as the unit in your modeling software in order to be most congruent and easy to handle. Voxel size, is the size of one Voxel, one square (or 3D pixel) and will affect your end result very much. You will be able to read more about Voxel sizes and its role in our advanced tutorials soon.

The View menu is there to help you view the 3D model from different perspectives, place or re-place your objects on the worktable.

Toolbar menu includes mesh transformation options. This one opens automatically every time you open Voxelizer. If you ever happen to close it by mistake, here is where you can find it.

DESIGNFUTURES

Under the Workflow button you will find access to Designfutures.club. This is a place where ZMorph community can upload, download, share and explore files that they create.

When connected to the internet, you can download files from Designfutures.club at any time. Feel free to explore this amazing library in order to find models created by ZMorph users as well as exchangeable printed parts for older ZMorph machines and helpful accessories like spool holders and more.

To upload files to Designfutures.club, you must create a profile and log in first.

VOXELIZING

After placing your models on the worktable and adjusting them, you’re ready to proceed to the next stage of the 3D printing process in Voxelizer. To do this press "Voxelize" button in the lower left corner of the screen.

Depending on the size of the model, the software will need some time s to calculate and render it in voxels.

After this process is done you will automatically find yourself in the Voxel editor stage. Please follow to our next tutorial for more details about it.

Next tutorial: Voxel Editor in Voxelizer

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