# Bambu 3mf > 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. - Skill: `tkoenig/bambu-3mf` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 10 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tkoenig/bambu-3mf` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tkoenig/bambu-3mf/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tkoenig (https://skillmd.com/u/tkoenig) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tkoenig/bambu-3mf --- # 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. ```bash # 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. ```bash # 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 ` 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 ` 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 ```bash {baseDir}/tools/open-bambu.sh model.3mf ``` ### Slice via CLI Slice a 3MF to a `.gcode.3mf` using the BambuStudio CLI: ```bash # 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 ```bash {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](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1038295-ironing-calibration) 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: ```bash # 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 `` inside the `` element: ```xml ... ``` 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: ```xml BambuStudio-02.05.00.66 1 ``` 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](https://github.com/bambulab/BambuStudio/issues/4627) and [#9636](https://github.com/bambulab/BambuStudio/issues/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.