We’ve received a special code from Matter.io for Fabbaloo readers to enter the private BETA test of their new service, Remix. Remix permits simple remixing of 3D models for export or 3D printing.
The service is entirely online and has one of the most responsive 3D browser displays we’ve yet seen. Starting with a base object, you can:
- Change colors (seven colors)
- Change surface rendering (shiny, matte, etc)
- Simple modifications (facet, cubize and “lego-bottom”)
- Cut planes on any axis
- Scale the model
- Mix in objects from a pre-set collection
- Subtract text shapes from the model
- Send the model to Shapeways for 3D printing
- Download the STL model for 3D printing at home
- Share your model online
- Embed the model in a web page
It’s not as capable as some other online 3D services yet, but it is early on in their beta test. We spoke with Matter.io’s Co-Founder Dylan Reid:
Fabbaloo: Will there be an ability to manipulate the models in addition to simple cuts and adding ornaments? We’re thinking push/pull? Subtraction?
Dylan Reid: We’re working on tools which will allow for more complex transformations (i.e. sizing) but are very careful not to make this a general purpose modeling tool (like Blender). Our design point is all about simplicity, so if it can be reduced to the click of a button or two it’s probably something we’re working on.
Fabbaloo: How about upload and sharing of add-ons?
Dylan Reid: Absolutely! That’s where we think things will get really exciting. What we have now is really just a preliminary set of examples to get designers and developers thinking about the kinds of things they’d like to make. Generalizing the way add-ons are oriented and behave is a little tricky so it will probably be a few months until we let people upload their own additions. However, we’re beginning to speak with designers now about contributing to our add-on collection. If you have ideas for add-ons you can email us at [email protected].
Fabbaloo: When do you believe you’ll be releasing the full service?
Dylan Reid: We’re planning on doing a full release in the next 2-3 months.
Fabbaloo: Is there a way to mirror the add-ons? (e.g. there’s a left horn but no right horn)
Dylan Reid: Not at the moment, it’s something we’ve built on the backend, but is hard to generalize without adding too many more steps to the UI.
Fabbaloo: Scaling and font selection of text?
Dylan Reid: Similar to mirroring, its something we’ve built but (in the case of fonts) drastically reduces performance. We’re working on some clever solutions and we hope it will be ready by the time we release.
If you’d like to try Remix, head to the site below and be sure to use the special BETA code “FABB”. We strongly recommend you try this, because:
If you register with the code: FABB, we’ll make sure you never pay and your account stays active after we close down registration.
No kidding.
Via Matter.io
