[JeremyHerrman]

"The problem is that these requirements are not communicated to the user during the modelling process, so the model that the user designs is not well optimised to be printed, and must often be fixed with other software."

I couldn't agree more - finding out your design won't work after you've manufactured it is sort of like finding out your code won't compile after you've deployed. There needs to be better feedback during the design phase to make hardware as easy and fast as software.

This is exactly the problem we're trying to solve at Plethora, albeit with CNC milling instead of 3D printing. We have an add-in for 3D modelling programs that tells you manufacturability issues in real time as you design.

For those who are interested, check it out here: https://www.plethora.com/how