How to use the STL File Optimizer feature

How to use the STL File Optimizer feature

Both labs and practice accounts have access to our super cool STL File Optimizer feature. It is a feature that helps repair and clean STL / Digital Models attached to any prescription. The STL file scrubber is an automatic tool that looks for voids and other minor issues that may be present inside of an STL file. Repairs are done using OrthoCAD, which runs behind the scenes in EasyRx's servers!

As of 2018, the optimizer will automatically be initiated anytime an STL file is attached by practice or lab to a Prescription or Patient File. This includes files that are getting auto-attached from our handy iTero integration. 

To be more specific, STL File Optimizer will help address the following:
  • Self Intersects - where lines meet and overlap
  • Voids - small holes or missing areas (large or significant holes/voids are typically not addressed, for example, if half the arch is missing)
  • Degenerative Faces -  a face with two identical vertex indices and, therefore no geometric area
  • Remeshing the model if the optimizer identifies it needs it
Once an STL file is attached to an Rx or Patient file, you will see a new file show up in about 1-5 minutes (depending on file size + if the file is an upper/lower together). 

Files that are optimized will say "EasyRxOptimized" at the end of the file name. The files will show up automatically, so you do not need to sit on the webpage; you can close out of your browser or go to another part of EasyRx's website. Come back or refresh the page you uploaded the file, and you should see an Optimized file show up!

How to manually trigger the STL Optimizer:
In rare cases, you may want to trigger the optimizer tool to re-run or initiate manually. You can do this by clicking next to the file name you want to optimize. This is shown as a "cog wheel" icon.

You can trigger the optimizer for practices and lab accounts in three places:

1- While editing an Rx and looking in the [uploads] tab. 


2- When Viewing a Saved or Submitted Prescription (toward the bottom of the page)

3- In a Patients File (accessed in the Patients tab on Practice accounts or in [Practices] -> [Patients] in Lab accounts)



If the file is already in process of optimizing, you will need to wait for it to finish. If it has been more than 30 minutes since you uploaded or triggered the optimization, email us at support@easyrxortho.com to further assist. 

Once you click the Cog wheel (Optimize) icon:
A pop-up window will appear advising you that the optimize process may take a few minutes and that it will automatically appear when completed. It could take longer if the file is considerably large or has more repairs done to it. Don't worry, if you have other work to do, you can navigate away from the page and work on something else while we are doing the scrubbing. You can come back and the optimized file should be attached. 

When the file is done being optimized, EasyRx will automatically attach a file with the same name that includes the term 'EasyRxOptimized' in the file name. Optimized files will also have a distinct icon that has a orange square and Cog wheels in it.

**Note -- you cannot Optimize a file that has been based through the EasyRx 3D Edit module**



Helpful Hint: As a best practice, your office should always emphasize taking accurate and careful scans of your patient's teeth. The STL File Optimizer is very nifty but shouldn't be a replacement for inaccurate or messy scans. 

We give all labs using EasyRx the option to likewise optimize any attached STL files manually if needed

What are the benefits of the STL File Optimizer?

For Practices:
  • These helps reduce the need to re-scan the patient.
  • Decrease likelihood of using 3D model repair software that can be time consuming
  • Prevent delays with processing the Rx by providing your lab a cleaner, more feasible digital model
For Labs:
  • Reduce the need to call or contact the practice to request a new scan
  • Auto-repair STL models that may not have been done so by the practices
  • For those using 3D printers, the ability to print a cleaner and less erroneous study model

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