AutoCAD and 3D printing

[johnlangeslag]

If I make a 3D drawing in AutoCAD, convert it to a STL file and then load it in the 3d printer is this much too large and falling outside the margins of the printer. Does anyone know how to get it to the correct size. The drawing in AutoCAD scale 1 signed on 1. I can scale objects in the printer software I know but that I lose the right size.
Regards, John

[PatrickHughes]

It seems to me John, you'll need to find a printer that has a larger print envelop if you need to print your model full scale. Depending on the geometry you may be able to reorient the part diagonally.

What are your model dimensions and the print envelop?

[steven-g · Accepted solution]

Just check that you are using the correct units in both programs. If one is inches and the other millimeters then that will give you problems

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

Attach your *.dwg file here.

What does the command -dwgunits report?  (enter it exactly as I have typed the command)

[dgorsman]

Either that or redesign it to print in several pieces.  Have a look around - not many manufactured objects come as one unitary part, most are assembled from multiple parts.

[karelvinckier]

You can split it in multiple parts. hsbCAD made an application to split a Revit dwg in pieces for easy printing and assembling.

www.hsbLABS.com