Modeling — Bulks, Voids, and Shapes

Prev: Part 5: Modeling Introduction

This step starts the Modeling section. Thoughout the Modeling section you will build a component in small, readable chunks. In this step you learn about basic shapes as well as how bulks and voids work together.

The basic example is a cube void inside a cube bulk. Then we expand into a shape gallery that shows every supported shape type side‑by‑side.

With both of these examples, the intent is for you to preview them yourself, and try changing some of the shapes and variables to see what happens. If you change the shape, there might be a different set of parameters to use when you declare it. Try using the "Shapes (geometry)" section of the Cheat Sheet.

The values to control shape sizes and operations (like translations) are set explicitly in each shape/operation. Later, we will learn how to use variables to simplify and standardize this process.

Cube in a Cube

In this example, we’ll build a cube bulk with a smaller rounded cube void inside it.

Step 1 — Import PyMFCAD and the shapes you need

We import pymfcad plus the specific shapes we’ll use.

Step 2 — Create a Component

Components are the basic building block in this package. They are defined by size [x,y,z] (where x and y are measured in pixels and z is in layers), and the physical resolution (pixel and layer size in mm). They can also contain sub-components as well, which we will get into later.

Step 3 — Add labels

Labels are named color groups used for visualization and organization. We’ll use one label for the bulk and another for the void. See the Named Color Lists for available color names.

Step 4 — Create the shapes

We’ll make a smaller rounded cube for the void and a larger cube for the bulk.

Step 5 — Move the inner shape

We translate the inner shape so it sits inside the outer cube (not centered at the origin).

Step 6 — Add the bulk and void

Bulks add material; voids remove material from bulks. The order doesn’t matter for previewing, but both must be added to the same component.

Step 7 — Preview the result

Send the component to the visualizer so you can inspect it.

Cube in cube

Full cube-in-cube example

This example lays out multiple shapes in a grid so you can compare them side‑by‑side.

Step 1 — Import PyMFCAD and the shapes you need

Step 2 — Create a Component

We use a larger component so all shapes can fit in a grid.

Step 3 — Add labels

Each label gets a different color so the shapes are easy to identify.

Step 4 — Create shapes

Notice how each shape has different parameters. This is where you can experiment with size, radius, font, or TPMS settings. For this step, we use the 3DBenchy model as an example for ImportModel. You can download it here. Look for 3DBenchy.stl

Step 5 — Resize the imported model

ImportModel usually needs to be resized to fit the component.

Step 6 — Arrange the shapes in a grid

We translate each shape to a unique position so they don’t overlap.

Step 7 — Add shapes to the component

Each shape is added as a bulk and assigned its color label.

Shape gallery

Notes

  • Bulks are positive material. Voids are subtracted from bulks.
  • TPMS and ImportModel can be heavier; try smaller sizes first.

Next

Next: Part 7: Modeling Microfluidics