Converting STL file to 3D solid

[dantm]

Hi,

I am looking (desperately) for help or instructions for converting a STL mesh file into a solid format. So far anything I have done has not worked very well -- I tried importing it in SolidWorks as an object and it's not working; as a surface it imports with all the mesh facets, etc.

I need this file converted such that I can create a solid out of it and add features to it (an additional solid box/etc. which is attached -- I can do this in AutoCAD if I have it in the right format).

Any thoughts, suggestions, etc.?

Thanks and best regards!

Similar Threads:

• converting a .sldprt solidworks file into a .stp or parasolid file
• Need Help!- Converting a pdf file to UG part file
• Help with converting file
• converting a mastercam 9 file into a Solidworks file
• Help converting .fgc file

[rmachinist]

have you figure this out? yet i'm looking to do the same

[awerby]

You'd need some kind of reverse-engineering software to do this effectively. An STL file is just a mesh - a lot of triangular facets joined together at the vertices, which are all that are listed in the file format. This is the sort of data that 3D scanners produce - they have no way of recognizing edges, holes, and other features. All those have to be identified by another kind of software; this process of retrieving the "design intent" is called Reverse Engineering. We sell a program: Design-X from 3D Systems, that does a good job of this - for example, you can pick 3 points on the edge of a round hole and the software will do the rest, constructing a circle in the right place. Still, reconstructing a complex mechanical object can take some time. If you have all the measurements, it might be just as easy to model the object in question in Solidworks.

[rmachinist]

if i can't use stl file what file should i look for what will work?

[ger21]

have you figure this out? yet i'm looking to do the same

Explain exactly what you want to do.
Did you create the model yourself, or download it from, somewhere?

[Bubba]

To make mods for some of the 3D printing I do, I use Fusion 360.
The steps are as follows:
1. From the Insert Menu, Insert Mesh
2. If the orientation is satisfactory, Click 'OK'
3. At this point, I usually save the drawing before proceeding futher.
4. Right Click on "The file name in the info area"


5. In the dropdown menu, click on "Do Not Capture Design History".
This will bring up a warning box. Click on 'Continue' to make it go away.
6. Make sure you are in 'Model' Space and click on 'Modify'>'Mesh'> 'Mesh to BRep'
7. Click on the object you just imported and Click on 'OK'

You now have a solid model, but it shows all the stl facets. you can get rid of most if not all (depending on the model) by doing the following.

A. Switch to 'Patch' space
B. Click on 'Mod' menu >'Merge' and then select two adjacent "triangles" of the model and then 'OK'

Depending on the model, you may have to repeat a few times to get rid of the 'triangles' and in some cases you won't get them all but it should be better than origination.
Save your file again as usual and make the mods you want then to save the final as a .stl if you desire,
Right click on the model name and then click on 'Save as Stl' in the drop down menu.



HTH

[rmachinist]

I get a warning: this mesh contain large amount number of facets

[Bubba]

Thats one BIG file.
I think it gives that warning at about 10,000 facets!
I have seen where some people "cut" portions to be able to make it work, but I haven't run into that problem with the stuff I have downloaded from thingiverse.

[rmachinist]

Thank's for your help it work great i tried it on a small file!!!

[ger21]

10,000 faces is not a big model at all. These days, even 500,000 is not really that big. and I think large files will crash F360 if you try this.

[Gallen66]

Oh yes! The ANSWER is Meshcam! For $250 you can convert your stl files as desired! And, not in the cloud!. I bought it discounted and have been more than satisfied! You may get more options with a "cracked" version of Artcam, but expect to get your computer corrupted or hacked,