I have a few .STL files which i need converted from mesh to solid for 3D printing.
I have looked around and have only found the Mesh Enabler plugin for inventor, but with a student licence i am unable to download it.
Is there any other third party apps available to do this?
Or would someone really nice person be willing to convert it for me if i send it through?
I dont really want to purchase any type of software as this is a one off and I will probably never need it again.
Thanks in advance.
@BR31415 wrote:
I have a few .STL files which i need converted from mesh to solid for 3D printing.
I thought 3D printers used *.stl files for printing?
Does your printer use *.ipt file format?
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You are correct, it prints in stl. The STL file i have is mesh, But i only have inventor to convert to solid and resave as an STL in preparation for printing.
Hello there,
What kind of changes do you need to make to the model?
Thanks,
Indy
Why can't you use the existing stl to print the model?
Post screen shot, or better yet, zip and attach the stl file here.
Are you aware that an stl file is triangular faceted surface mesh?
If not, do an experiment.
Create a simple sphere.
Save the file as *.stl and then close the file.
Open the stl file in Inventor.
What do you see?
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@Esky99! wrote:
Try importing the composite surface and then use the sculpt function to convert it to a solid.
Composite Surface?
Here is a sample stl file.
Can you demonstrate your technique with this file?
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@PACDrafting wrote:
See attachment JDMather
Can you explain the steps that you used?
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I am sure the OP will be interested in your process.
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Students can get the Mesh Enabler add-in for free by emailing Scott Shepard and solidify directly in Inventor.
But I still don't understand from the OP why the need to solidify?
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Thankyou all for the replies.
What i have is an STL file made by a friend with another program, some 3d printing software.
Anyway, he is trying to get it commercially printed but since it is not a solid it will not allow it, so he sent it to me to convert it to a solid so that it can be printed. I have attached the two files i am having trouble with.
Thanks again.
Hi,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but...these meshes aren't of good quality. There are a lot of overlapping sections resulting in many internal faces with a few holes thrown in for good measure. You can see one of these many areas by playing the video below and the darker grey shades indicate problem areas:
What software was this created in? Is it possible to ask your friend to fix up the issues for you?
Hope this helps,
Indy