name	3d-print
version	0.2.0
description	Search-first 3D printing workflow — finds real specs before modeling, generates manifold-safe models for Bambu Studio / PrusaSlicer / Cura / Fusion 360
triggers	["3D print","create STL","generate model for printing","design for 3D printing","make a 3D printable","print this part","3d printable","slicer","FDM","print bracket","print mount","print enclosure"]

3D Print Skill

Purpose

Generate physically accurate, print-ready 3D models without fabricating dimensions. Always search for real specs first. Never guess measurements.

Workflow

Step 1 — Search for real specs

First, try the local search script:

python3 scripts/search_specs.py "Canon EF 40mm f2.8 lens outer diameter"

If the script returns no concrete millimeter values (status: no_instant_answer or vague text), do NOT stop. Use your own search_web tool to query the product's official datasheet, spec page, or Wikipedia. Extract the three key numbers: outer dimension, inner dimension, height. Only proceed to Step 2 once you have real numbers with a source you can cite.

All results are cached to specs_cache.json. On a cache hit, read the cached result and extract dimensions directly — no re-search needed.

Step 2 — Decide: preset or custom script

Check if the request matches a preset:

python3 scripts/generate_model.py --preset cube     # 20mm calibration cube
python3 scripts/generate_model.py --preset tube     # hollow cylinder
python3 scripts/generate_model.py --preset bracket  # box with through-hole

If the request does NOT match a preset (e.g. "lens cap with snap-fit tabs", "hook with chamfer", "enclosure with lip", "multi-part assembly"), write a custom Python script on the fly. Use the pattern:

import sys
sys.path.insert(0, "scripts")
import manifold3d as m3d
from generate_model import export_3mf, export_stl
from pathlib import Path

# --- build geometry using manifold3d primitives ---
# See references/manifold-examples.md for API reference:
# extrusion, revolve, hull, chamfer, loft, snap-fit tabs, threads

body = m3d.Manifold.cylinder(height=8.0, radius_low=34.0, circular_segments=64)
inner = m3d.Manifold.cylinder(height=8.2, radius_low=33.0, circular_segments=64)
result = body - inner.translate([0, 0, -0.1])

# --- export ---
out = Path("output")
export_3mf(result, out / "lens_cap.3mf", name="lens_cap")
export_stl(result, out / "lens_cap.stl")

Save the script as output/<name>_build.py, run it, then proceed to Step 3. The export_3mf and export_stl functions from generate_model.py handle all file-format details — just call them with the final Manifold object.

Step 3 — Validate the mesh

python3 scripts/validate_mesh.py output/lens_cap.stl

If validation fails, do NOT just run --fix and move on. Read the specific failing checks, trace them back to the geometry construction, and fix the root cause in the build script. Common fixes:

watertight: FAIL → a boolean operation left an open edge; add a small Z-offset (e.g. translate([0, 0, -0.1])) on the subtracted body so it protrudes past the face
positive_volume: FAIL → normals are inverted; the outer shell may be smaller than the inner — check radii
no_degenerate_faces: FAIL → a zero-thickness wall from a tight boolean; add at least 0.4mm clearance between faces

After fixing, re-run the build script and re-validate. Repeat until all critical checks pass.

Step 4 — Slice

Import .3mf into Bambu Studio / PrusaSlicer / Cura. Expected: 0 non-manifold errors, 0 open edges.

Spec Extraction from Cache

When specs_cache.json already contains an entry for the target part, load and extract dimensions directly instead of re-running search:

import json
cache = json.load(open("specs_cache.json"))
# find the entry whose query matches your part
# read result["answer"] or result["abstract"]
# parse out numeric values (mm) using your own reasoning
# map to: outer_diameter, inner_diameter, height, wall_thickness, etc.

Use your reasoning to map prose descriptions ("67.5mm filter thread") to the correct variable in the build script. Do not ask the user to do this mapping manually.

Reference Files

File	Contents
`references/formats.md`	STL vs 3MF vs STEP — when to use each
`references/tolerances.md`	FDM accuracy, shrinkage, fit clearances
`references/design-rules.md`	Manifold rules, wall thickness, overhang limits
`references/manifold-examples.md`	manifold3d API: extrusion, revolve, hull, chamfer, snap-fit, threads

Key Constraints

No fabricated dimensions — search first, use real numbers with a cited source
manifold3d for all geometry — guarantees no non-manifold edges
Custom script when no preset fits — generate_model.py is a reference, not a limit
3MF primary output — ISO/IEC 25422:2025, manifold-safe, Bambu/Prusa/Cura compatible
Fix root cause on validation failure — do not rely on --fix alone

Common Errors

Error	Cause	Fix
"244 non-manifold edges" in Bambu	numpy-stl or bad boolean	Regenerate with `manifold3d`
Hole too tight	FDM shrinks holes	Add +0.1–0.2mm radius compensation (tolerances.md)
Part snaps during press fit	No interference margin	0.1–0.3mm interference (tolerances.md)
Overhangs fail	>45° without supports	Redesign or add supports in slicer
`watertight: FAIL`	Subtracted body flush with face	Add Z-offset of 0.1mm on subtracted body
`search_specs.py` returns empty	DuckDuckGo Instant Answer has no entry	Use `search_web` tool on manufacturer datasheet

Install

ln -sf /path/to/3d-print-skill ~/.claude/skills/3d-print

Dependencies

pip install manifold3d trimesh numpy requests

name	3d-print
version	0.2.0
description	Search-first 3D printing workflow — finds real specs before modeling, generates manifold-safe models for Bambu Studio / PrusaSlicer / Cura / Fusion 360
triggers	["3D print","create STL","generate model for printing","design for 3D printing","make a 3D printable","print this part","3d printable","slicer","FDM","print bracket","print mount","print enclosure"]