bambu-3mf

name	bambu-3mf
description	Create BambuStudio-compatible 3MF files from STL models with embedded print settings. Supports presets for common scenarios (solid, fast, fine, strong) and per-setting overrides.

BambuStudio 3MF Skill

Create BambuStudio-compatible 3MF project files from STL models with embedded print settings. The generated 3MF files open directly in BambuStudio with all settings pre-configured — ready to slice and print.

Prerequisites

• lib3mf Python package: pip3 install lib3mf
• BambuStudio at /Applications/BambuStudio.app (preferred for opening files and CLI use)
• Base settings template at settings/base_template.json (included)

Tools

Create 3MF (CLI backend — recommended)

Uses the BambuStudio CLI for native 3MF generation. Supports multiple STLs, auto-arrange, auto-orient, plate naming, and slicing in one step.

# Single STL with preset
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh model.stl model.3mf --preset strong

# Single STL with a custom plate name
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh model.stl model.3mf --plate-names "Front"

# Multiple STLs, auto-arranged on one or more plates
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh part1.stl part2.stl plate.3mf --preset solid --arrange

# Multiple STLs with explicit per-plate names
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh front.stl back.stl drawer.3mf --arrange --plate-names "Front;Back"

# Full pipeline: arrange + sequential print + slice in one step
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh a.stl b.stl plate.3mf --preset strong --arrange --by-object --slice

# With specific filament, machine/nozzle profile, and auto-orient
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh model.stl model.3mf --preset strong --machine a1-0.6 --filament esun-petg-basic --orient

# List presets, filaments, or machine/nozzle profiles
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh --list-presets
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh --list-filaments
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh --list-machines

If --plate-names is omitted, the tool auto-fills plate names from the STL basenames whenever it can determine a sensible one-object-per-plate mapping.

Prefers the stock BambuStudio CLI at /Applications/BambuStudio.app/Contents/MacOS/BambuStudio, falls back to the older custom build if needed, and falls back to the Python-based tool for single STL if no CLI is available.

Create 3MF (Python fallback)

Python-based 3MF creation using lib3mf. Works without BambuStudio CLI but only supports single STL input.

# Default settings (0.2mm, 15% gyroid infill, 3 walls)
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf

# Set a custom plate name
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --plate-name "Front"

# Use a preset
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --preset solid

# Auto-orient for optimal print orientation (e.g. parts with overhangs)
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --orient

# Sequential printing (one object at a time)
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --by-object

# Custom settings
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf \
    --setting layer_height=0.12 \
    --setting sparse_infill_density=100% \
    --setting wall_loops=4

# Combine preset + overrides + orient
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --preset strong \
    --setting sparse_infill_density=60% --orient

# Use a specific filament and machine/nozzle profile
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh model.stl model.3mf --machine a1-0.6 --filament bambu-pla-basic

# List available filaments or machine/nozzle profiles
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh --list-filaments
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh --list-machines

Filament Profiles

Filament profiles are stored in filaments.json in the project root. The tool searches from the current directory upward to find it.

• The "default" key sets which filament is used automatically
• Use --filament <name> to override
• Each profile contains BambuStudio filament settings (vendor, density, temperatures, etc.)

Machine/Nozzle Profiles

Machine/nozzle profiles are stored in machines.json in the project root. The tool searches from the current directory upward to find it.

• The "default" key sets which machine/nozzle profile is used automatically
• Use --machine <name> to override
• Profiles can set printer metadata like printer_settings_id, nozzle_diameter, compatibility lists, and nozzle-specific default line widths
• This prevents BambuStudio from snapping custom projects back to stock nozzle presets when opening a generated 3MF

Open in BambuStudio

{baseDir}/tools/open-bambu.sh model.3mf

Slice via CLI

Slice a 3MF to a .gcode.3mf using the BambuStudio CLI:

# Slice — output defaults to model.gcode.3mf
{baseDir}/tools/slice-3mf.sh model.3mf

# Explicit output path
{baseDir}/tools/slice-3mf.sh model.3mf output/model.gcode.3mf

# Auto-orient for optimal print orientation (e.g. drainage inserts)
{baseDir}/tools/slice-3mf.sh model.3mf --orient

# Auto-arrange multiple objects on the plate
{baseDir}/tools/slice-3mf.sh model.3mf --arrange

Prefers the stock BambuStudio CLI at /Applications/BambuStudio.app/Contents/MacOS/BambuStudio and falls back to the older custom build if needed. Set BAMBU_CLI to override the binary path.

List Presets & Settings

{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh --list-presets
{baseDir}/tools/create-3mf.sh --list-settings

Presets

Preset	Layer	Infill	Walls	Pattern	Use Case
default	0.2mm	15%	3	gyroid	General purpose
solid	0.2mm	100%	4	zig-zag	Washers, spacers, solid functional parts
fast	0.28mm	10%	2	gyroid	Quick prototypes, test prints
fine	0.12mm	15%	3	gyroid	Visible/decorative parts
strong	0.2mm	40%	5	cubic	Load-bearing functional parts

Common Settings

Use --setting key=value to override any setting. Most useful ones:

Quality

• layer_height — Layer height in mm (0.08–0.28)
• initial_layer_print_height — First layer height

Walls & Shells

• wall_loops — Number of perimeters (2–5)
• top_shell_layers — Top solid layers (3–7)
• bottom_shell_layers — Bottom solid layers (3–7)

Infill

• sparse_infill_density — Infill percentage (0%–100%)
• sparse_infill_pattern — gyroid, cubic, zig-zag, honeycomb, rectilinear, concentric, grid

Support & Adhesion

• enable_support — 0=off, 1=on
• support_type — normal(auto), tree(auto)
• brim_type — auto_brim, brim_outer_only, no_brim
• brim_width — Brim width in mm

Ironing

Ironing smooths top surfaces by making an extra nozzle pass with low flow after printing. The nozzle stays at the same Z height, softening the surface with heat while a small amount of material fills gaps between lines.

Settings:

• ironing_type — Ironing mode (see types below). Default: no ironing
• ironing_flow — Extrusion flow during ironing, relative to normal flow. Too low = gaps, too high = blobs. Calibrate per filament.
• ironing_speed — Nozzle speed during ironing (mm/s). Slower = smoother but more time + heat creep risk.
• ironing_pattern — zig-zag (default, recommended) or concentric
• ironing_spacing — Line spacing in mm (default: 0.15). Should be smaller than nozzle diameter for overlap.
• ironing_direction — Angle relative to top pattern lines. 45° usually gives best results.
• ironing_inset — Distance (mm) between ironing area and edges. Helps avoid material buildup at edges. 0 = disabled.

Ironing types:

Type	3MF value	Description
No ironing	no ironing	Off (default)
Top surfaces	top	Irons all top-facing surfaces at every layer (steps, shelves, intermediate flat areas)
Topmost surface	topmost	Irons only the highest top surface of the model — best default for most prints
All solid layer	all solid	Irons every solid layer including internal ones — rarely useful, adds huge time

When to use ironing:

• ✅ Flat top surfaces (lids, signs, nameplates, boxes)
• ❌ Curved top surfaces (ironing can't smooth inter-layer lines on curves)

Caveats:

• Adds print time, especially on large top surfaces
• Risk of heat creep at slow speeds with PLA/PETG/TPU
• Model must be well-adhered to build plate (nozzle exerts force during ironing)

Calibration: Use the Ironing Calibration Tool to find optimal flow/speed per filament. It prints a 5×5 grid testing speed (20–60 mm/s) × flow (5–25%). Store calibrated values in filaments.json per filament profile.

Printer

• printer_model — e.g. "Bambu Lab A1", "Bambu Lab X1 Carbon"
• curr_bed_type — "Textured PEI Plate", "Cool Plate", "High Temp Plate"

Workflow with OpenSCAD Skill

This skill integrates with the OpenSCAD skill for end-to-end model creation:

# 1. Design in OpenSCAD → STL
.pi/skills/openscad/tools/export-stl.sh model.scad model.stl

# 2. STL → 3MF with print settings (CLI backend, recommended)
.pi/skills/bambu-3mf/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh model.stl model.3mf --preset solid --orient

# 2b. Multiple STLs on one plate, arranged and sliced in one step
.pi/skills/bambu-3mf/tools/create-3mf-cli.sh a.stl b.stl plate.3mf --preset strong --arrange --slice

# 3. Or open in BambuStudio GUI → Slice & Print
.pi/skills/bambu-3mf/tools/open-bambu.sh model.3mf

Settings Template

The base settings template (settings/base_template.json) contains ~368 BambuStudio settings including G-code macros, speed profiles, and printer configuration. It was extracted from a working BambuStudio project.

To update the template with your own defaults:

1. Configure your preferred settings in BambuStudio
2. Save the project as 3MF
3. Extract: unzip -p project.3mf Metadata/project_settings.config > settings/base_template.json

How It Works

A BambuStudio 3MF is a ZIP file containing:

• 3D/3dmodel.model — Mesh data (vertices + triangles) with BambuStudio metadata
• Metadata/project_settings.config — Full print settings as JSON (global)
• Metadata/model_settings.config — Object placement, plate assignment, and per-plate overrides

Print Sequence (By Object vs By Layer)

print_sequence is a plate-level setting stored in model_settings.config, NOT in project_settings.config. BambuStudio stores it as a <metadata> inside the <plate> element:

<plate>
  <metadata key="plater_id" value="1"/>
  <metadata key="print_sequence" value="by object"/>
  ...
</plate>

The print_sequence key in project_settings.config is only the global default (by layer). The plate-level value takes precedence. This means the CLI tool's --setting print_sequence=... won't work — it would only change the global default, not the plate override. Set print sequence via BambuStudio GUI (Plate Settings dialog) instead.

Sequential printing constraints (A1): "By Object" prints each object completely before starting the next. Objects must be spaced far enough apart (front to back) for printhead clearance. Arrange shorter objects in front. Use --by-object flag when creating 3MF files.

The key to BambuStudio recognizing the 3MF as its own project is the metadata:

<metadata name="Application">BambuStudio-02.05.00.66</metadata>
<metadata name="BambuStudio:3mfVersion">1</metadata>

This skill uses the official lib3mf library for standards-compliant 3MF generation, then adds BambuStudio-proprietary metadata as attachments.

Custom BambuStudio CLI Build

The CLI tools now prefer the stock BambuStudio app installed at /Applications/BambuStudio.app/Contents/MacOS/BambuStudio.

A custom build is still kept as a fallback for macOS CLI edge cases and for reproducing older upstream issues such as #4627 and #9636, which are still open.

Fallback build location: ~/Development/tkoenig/playground/bambustudio/install_dir/bin/BambuStudio.app/Contents/MacOS/BambuStudio

Source: ~/Development/tkoenig/playground/bambustudio/ (cloned from github.com/bambulab/BambuStudio)

Set BAMBU_CLI env var to force either binary in any tool.

Related Skills

• openscad (.pi/skills/openscad/) — Design .scad models and export STLs. See "Workflow with OpenSCAD Skill" above.
• gridfinity (.pi/skills/gridfinity/) — Gridfinity-specific print settings (layer height, walls, fan overrides) and anti-warp strategies. Load this skill when creating 3MF files for gridfinity baseplates or bins.