topic Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad? in AutoCAD Forum

How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:41:30 GMT

I am trying to modify an object but the file type is in .stl, while I have been able to convert to dxf and open it in autocad, I am unable to edit the file. I understand it's because the stl file basically "codes" for a hollow object and I need to make it into a solid object in order to work on it.

is there anyway to "convert" by means of autocad or other software?

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

john.vellek — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:57:06 GMT

Hi @Pahasave,

Perhaps using Inventor you can convert to a format that works better. Here is an article that describes file formats supported for import.

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:20:26 GMT

Hi,

>> convert a .stl file to a solid

You can do that with Fusion 360 too, might be easier to get running if you don't already have Inventor installed

You should know that the STL file does not contain objects to really recreate 3D-Solid objects, it's just a converted geometry based on meshes and triangles.

You might recreate a 3D-Solid object from that, but you'll never get objects like sphere or cylinder to change the radius, or a box with the option to change length/width/height. You just get 3D-Solid objects where you can modify points/edges/faces.

So by any chance: if you can get the original file-format of that object it would give you a lot more edit options.

That shows the result after "STL to 3D-Solid", some triangulated meshes converted to a 3D-Solid, but without any chance to change now the cylinders radius or position.

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 02:39:16 GMT

thanks all

I've tried various methods to make it into solid but none that works. meshmixer has a function called "make into solid" and the output file basically shows up in autocad as a flattened 2D image. some methods simply converts the file to dxf but when the model is opened in autocad, it still shows the individual triangles when the cursor it.

Is it possible to use autocad to "trace" the outlines of the model (despite having those triangles) then using these outlines to create a workable 3d solid model?

also, there's a paid plugin in the online store that supposedly converts stl to dxf? https://apps.autodesk.com/ACD/en/Detail/Index?id=8904621438483085904&appLang=en&os=Win32_64

does it work?

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:19:16 GMT

Hi,

>> I've tried various methods

Which ones?

>> Is it possible to use autocad to "trace" the outlines of the model (despite having those triangles)

>> then using these outlines to create a workable 3d solid model?

You can try a method in AutoCAD that is working in a way (a little bit) comparable to "tracing ..."

Use command _SURFSCULPT and see if that can help you (>>>click<<<).

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:54:16 GMT

as described. meshmixer and freecad. Might have tried blender

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:58:55 GMT

Hi,

>> as described. meshmixer and freecad. Might have tried blender

Why didn't you try what was suggested here (or are the answers here not useful)?

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:02:58 GMT

@Alfred.NESWADBA@john.vellek

I may have neglected to mention this. Not sure how much it affects anything. The object I wish to make into solid3D and modify has a "simple" shape.

There's no curved lines at all. In fact, I found a paper template model (where you cut along the lines and fold according to the tabs, https://images.template.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/House-3D-Paper-Craft-Template.jpg) that is pretty much what I want.

If it's possible to scan this paper template and "fold" it without downloading expensive plugins, that would be great. It's not that I refuse to pay for a service/plug in but I am not keen on spending so much on a plugin/extension that I will only use once. Plus, if there's a demand, I will go for a small volume production run so purchasing the plugin for a one time use will only add to costs.

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:15:41 GMT

Hi,

have you tried my _SURFSCULPT suggestion?

With your last mail I'm confused. Folding something from a 2D shape and creating a 3D-Solid from a STL are very different jobs. Something is not clear now (for me).

The 2D-Shape is drawn in minutes (depending on how exact the details are, I don't see any dimensions on the object), extruding that (to get a 3d object) is another few minutes, so may be at least we don't need the STL at all?

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:15:46 GMT

>>Why didn't you try what was suggested here (or are the answers here not useful)?

let me break it down.

post 2. I don't have inventor so can't try it now (not sure if there's a edu version but I'll explore this program later after i've exhausted current options/programs)

post 3. I've tried fusion 360 and viewed a youtube video on making it into a solid but it doesn't export as a dwf dwg file and alfred mentioned that it cannot make complex changes (which I need to, such as adding a raised surface etc)

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:20:25 GMT

Hi,

>> and alfred mentioned that it cannot make complex changes (which I need to, such as adding a raised surface etc)

Complex changes was meant like "change the radius of a cylinder-whole" can't be modified, because these aren't any more cylinder like objects.

But you can use the boolean functions like _UNION and _SUBTRACT, of course!

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:22:49 GMT

I just came back from a funeral so i am a little tired. I will probably try later on. autocad is something very alien to me. I actually need guides/instructions to draw a 2D square on autocad.

Let me clarify the part on stl files and 2D diagram. My apologies on the confusion.

I started with the stl files because that was the closest I can get to a 3d file. I thought all I needed to do was convert the file and start modifying it. Didn't realise it was so complex. in fact I had no idea stl files is basically a bunch of triangles linked together and it's hollow.

Later on I found the 2d paper template and I thought, since getting stl to work is so difficult, is it possible to just scan the image and get autocad to "fold" the image instead?

Simply put, stl and paper template are 2 options I thought might help me out.

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:51:33 GMT

Hi,

>> I started with the stl files because that was the closest I can get to a 3d file

Show us the link where you've got that file (if there is no registration required) so we can see what exactly you need.

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:01:10 GMT

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/6TNLc89xiLS-porygon

for the stl

no registration required

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Patchy — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:11:13 GMT

Wish I have newer versions to try convert to solid and see if it works.

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:24:21 GMT

Hi,

>> Wish I have newer versions to try convert to solid and see if it works.

Mesh is not watertight, so can't be converted to 3D-Solid.

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 13:17:05 GMT

I've tried SURFSCULPT but nothing works.

It just doesn't do anything. I mean the model is still a hollow object with thousands of triangles that cannot be merged or manipulated.

I've even tried to manually draw out certain parts but it's difficult just to measure the length of a simple side. Not to mention after drawing a line I have no idea how to draw another line that starts at the end of the first line

even sketchup is more intuitive than this

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 17:36:39 GMT

Hi,

>> I've tried SURFSCULPT but nothing works.

>> It just doesn't do anything

Can't believe so, at least it would write some info's in the command line, check that feedback!

Look to >>>that video<<< which shows how to convert single 3D-Faces a 3D-Solid when the basic object is not watertight (which your model is not after importing the STL to AutoCAD). The trick is to convert sections of the original meshes until you have only a small part you have to make watertight.

>> even sketchup is more intuitive than this

Why aren't you then use SketchUp? Why not using the software you are feeling better with (as long as you have a license).

AutoCAD can then import the SKP data.

- alfred -

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:18:38 GMT

ok I stand corrected. didn't know I had to do some steps before using that command. anyway, I've tried to partially "sculpt" from various angles, sides etc

but it keeps telling me there's no watertight areas.

Re: How do I convert a .stl file to a solid object to be edited in autocad?

Pahasave — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:03:09 GMT

I tried surfsculpt with another source for the stl files and managed to convert some parts of the model into "solid"?

after moving some of the converted parts away, I realise there's a gaping hole in the main body and the rest of the parts are not watertight. so how do i fix the gaping hole and make the rest of it watertight?

I suppose parts that are successfully "sculpted" should look like this (screenshot)?