Send objects to Print Studio

You can send 3D geometric objects from Maya to Print Studio where you can set them up for 3D printing. Print Studio is a tool provided with the Autodesk SPARK technology and the EMBER 3D Printer. It's available only for 64-bit machines. See http://spark.autodesk.com for more information on it.

To install Print Studio

1. Select the object you want to export.
2. Choose File > Send to Print Studio.
3. If you don't have Print Studio installed, a message box appears.
   Note: To first find out more about Print Studio, click the About Print Studio button.
4. Click the Download button to download the installer.
5. Run the installer to install Print Studio.

To send a 3D geometric object from Maya to Print Studio

1. Select the object you want to export. If you don't select an object, Maya sends all objects in the scene.
2. Orient the model with either Y or Z as the up axis. Print Studio imports objects with Z up by default, but you can set this to Y up in File > Preferences in Print Studio.
3. Choose File > Send to Print Studio.
4. Print Studio opens and prompts you to connect to a 3D printer (Connect to a USB Printer or Connect to a Network Printer), or save this object to file to be printed later (Create a print file for) and select the model of 3D printer - see below.
   Note: Print Studio doesn't support sending a model to a running instance of the program, so a new instance of it is launched.
5. An in-product information panel appears giving you some tips on using Print Studio. When you close this, you can view your model in the Print Studio viewing area. Refer to the Print Studio Help for information on using it.

What's sent from Maya to Print Studio?

The following data is send by Maya to Print Studio:

• STL File
  • If multiple objects are sent, they become a monolithic object.
  • Print Studio does not identify different objects in the STL.
• The full STL path and file name.
• File units: you must match the units used in Maya with the units used in Print Studio with File > Preferences (in Print Studio).
• Orientation: you can choose the up axis in File > Preferences (in Print Studio).
• Parts larger than the build volume
  • You can split the parts in Maya.
  • Print Studio will check if the objects don't fit in the build volume and provide an interface in which you can scale the model.

3D printers supported by Print Studio

Print Studio supports the following 3D printers:

• Autodesk Ember
• Dremel 3D Idea Builder
• Makerbot Replicator® 2
• Printrbot Play
• Printrbot Plus
• Printrbot Simple
• Type A Machines Series 1
• Ultimaker B.V. Ultimaker 2