Some readers may consider that a revolting oversimplification, but it is a helpful one to make a point about how 3D scanning, 3D printing, and CAD work do (and don’t) work together.

Autodesk's Tinkercad is a free Web-based design tool that enables you to create 3D objects, then download those creations in a printer-friendly format. Here's how to get started.

And as an added bonus, 3D printing can make using aluminum extrusion easier and cheaper. Everything is Built from Aluminum Extrusion Aluminum extrusion beams are no stranger to these pages.

Using the split function in 3D builder you can slice a model into a number of smaller parts along certain planes or axis to reduce the need for support or to eliminate overhangs.

You can view & edit OBJ files using Paint 3D, 3D Builder, Blender, Autodesk Meshmixer, Blender, MeshLab, Clara.io, FreeCAD on Windows 11/10 PC.