topic size calculation help needed in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

size calculation help needed

teo2k1 — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:50:38 GMT

Hello, everyone,

i have a problem with the data that i load and then export again.

I have several stl files and I am merging them together. When I export them now they are 10 times bigger, so something that was 36mm before is now 360mm.

can someone tell me what the problem is ? i guess it has something to do with the loading of the stl files.

thanks a lot

Re: size calculation help needed

LeonardoBN — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:58:42 GMT

Hi @teo2k1. When you import a STL file to Fusion, you can set its Unit Type (cm, mm, m, in of ft). Check if it is in the suitable unit.

Edit: my import is always in mm, but I don't remember if it is the default option or is the last unit I used.

Re: size calculation help needed

teo2k1 — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:04:34 GMT

where can I check?
when i load a stl i will not be asked for it
if i change it afterwards in the project it does not help.

Re: size calculation help needed

TheCADWhisperer — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:21:22 GMT

Don't File>Open.

(File>Open would normally work fine, IF, the original was created using same units you are using in your standard template. But often the units are different.)

First, make sure that your current document is set to desired units.

Then select Insert....

and you will be prompted for units for the Insert when you select the file.

After Insert, Measure and make sure size is as expected.

If not, Undo and repeat changing units for the Insert.

STL files are unitless, so it depends on how the original was created and then your intended working units.

You must find the magnitude of the dimensions and set the desired units.

If you work in a mixed unit environment, I recommend that you create files with 1 inch unit cube, 10mm and 10cm and export as stl and then experiment with importing them back into blank inch, mm or cm files to get a handle on the behavior to get correct sizes.

Re: size calculation help needed

LeonardoBN — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:15:47 GMT

Re: size calculation help needed

LeonardoBN — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:18:47 GMT

Oh, I didin't think about the possibility of File/Open, like @TheCADWhisperer pointed out.

It is really an Insert operation.

Re: size calculation help needed

teo2k1 — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:12:57 GMT

ok i understand ..

but how can i add them to the cloud from fusion 360 ?

if i upload them there .. i cant open them from there right ?

so means if i have 100 stl files .. i have them open step by step ?

i cant find a way to open from the cloud .. the issue would be the same ..

and next question .. how can i open more than 1 file at the same time

thanks for helping me

Re: size calculation help needed

LeonardoBN — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 21:48:59 GMT

You are right: in the Insert Mesh way you are able to select just one file (from your computer).

If you have your files uploaded to Fusion 360, it will not ask you for dimensions and the files can become a mess. I had problems right now to make a test in this subject.

Are you using Fusion because your files are in the cloud? Which one come first: Fusion or your files?

I probably would use Meshmixer to do this job, but the files must be on the PC anyway.

Re: size calculation help needed

teo2k1 — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 07:58:45 GMT

thanks for the help,

unfortunately the solutions are not too helpful when it comes to importing the files. this is not too bad ... i have now come to terms with it and i am glad that i basically know how to handle it.

i like to use fusion very much ... meshmixer is a bit complicated for me.