Embedding a Part in a Clear Box

Kate Mahoney

21 Jul, 2025 03:27 AM

This tutorial will show how to embed a modeled part in a clear box for 3D printing and display.

1. Step 1: You will need

   • a CAD modeled part (the original CAD file or STL)
   • Materialise Magics
   • GrabCAD Print
   • a Stratasys 3D printer with VeroClear, Vero UltraClearS, or ElasticoClear material

   
   

2. Step 2: Import CAD Model into Magics

   • Open Magics and select Open

   Select your part from files

   • Set import parameters

   

   
   

   
   

   • Enter into Edit Mode

3. Step 3: Add a clear box

   • Under Edit Mode, select Create to add a new part to the assembly

   
   

   • Using the menu, create a box of any size (we'll rescale it in a second)

   
   

   • After the box has been added to the assembly, use the Translate and Rescale features to adjust its size and orientation

   
   

   • Toggle the transparency of the box in the Part List to adjust visibility

   
   

   • Ensure your part is completely surrounded by the clear box

4. Step 4: Embed the part in the box

   • Ensure that both parts are selected in the Parts List

   
   

   
   

   • Select Boolean from the Edit tab of the main menu

   
   

   
   

   • Using the Subtract feature, subtract the part from the box

   
   

   
   

   • Note: Be careful not to unload the original part!

   
   

   Using the Boolean Subtract feature will leave the box with a part-shaped hole in it that allows the parts to be printed as two separate bodies. This is also a great way to create custom fixtures as the resulting box will have the exact part as a hole.

5. Step 5: Export the part

   • Now that we have the part ready to go, it is time to export it for printing
   • Ensure that your desired parts are selected in the Parts List

   
   

   • Navigate to Save Selected Parts As

   
   

   
   

   • Select 3MF as the file type, and ensure that the setting is set to Save Parts to One File

6. Step 6: Import to GrabCAD

   • In GrabCAD, ensure that the printer is a Stratasys PolyJet printer with clear capabilities
   • Navigate to the Tray Settings

   
   

   
   

   • Check the tray materials under Change Tray Materials, making sure that the printer is loaded with VeroClear, UltraClearS, or ElasticoClear

   
   

   
   

   • Note: If your printer is not already loaded with a clear material, perform a material replacement wizard to change the material now.
   • Use the Add Models button on the left-hand side of the menu

   
   

   
   

   • Add the final 3MF file
   • Note: If a "no volume" error occurs, there is likely a gap between your part and the box. Make sure not to move the part within the box after the Boolean is performed to avoid creating voids.
   • If the part imports with Errors, navigate to the Part Analysis to repair all models

7. Step 7: Print!

   • You're almost ready to print!
   • Selecting just the box, use the Model Settings to change the material to VeroClear, UltraClearS, or ElasticoClear

   
   

   • Change the color of your part using the Model Settings as desired
   • For best results, set the box Finish to Glossy, and the part Finish to Matte

   
   

   • Note: whichever face is on top, will print with the greatest degree of clarity. Printing with a J850 or J55 on glass will produce a greater surface finish for the side oriented to the tray. For more information on that process, click HERE.

   
   

   • Finally, select print! Make sure to connect to your Stratasys printer and perform any necessary pre-printing tasks.

   
   

8. Step 8: Finishing (Optional)

   There are a variety of post-processing finishing tasks that can improve the quality and surface finish of a clear part. For more information, check out the Basic Post-Processing Guide for PolyJet 3D Models on Stratasys' website.