topic Re: Reverse engineering stl file in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Reverse engineering stl file

pascalfritz71 — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:27:01 GMT

Hey folks,

im trying to create a solid body that follows the lines of this particular stl file. The goal is to be able to produce a 3D printed part that can later be glued to the surface.

Any suggestions on how to do it? im quite lost.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

deonh99 — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:38:56 GMT

I am also very interested in this topic as I am in the process of restoring an old motorcycle and some of the parts are no longer available. I managed to get hold of a very high-resolution 3D scanned model in .stl format of one of the plastic covers. Once imported it looks great, but upon closer inspection, the outer recessed border is very wavy instead of straight and defined. Is there an easy way to straighten/sharpen the edge?

Edit: Scan Image

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

SaeedHamza — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:18:30 GMT

well, the right way to create this accurately is to create planes where you want a sketch intersection between the mesh and the plane by using the "Create Mesh Section Sketch" tool, this will allow you to get an intersection to start sketching using it and then apply dimensions to get the exact shape you're looking for.

The decision will be tricky as where to apply the construction planes to intersect with the mesh, so think it through.

Keep in mind that not all the details will be done using this method, some might be added without you relying on the mesh.

I've tried to create this with the Form environment, and reached a close shape, but please keep in mind that this method isn't accurate by any means. I've attached the model in case accuracy isn't required, it could be a starting point.

I hope this helps, best of luck.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

Drewpan — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:39:45 GMT

Hi,

There is an AutoDesk Fusion tutorial on how to import an .stl and convert it. Check the documentation or the

getting started tutorials. Did it the other day, can't remember where it was except for on this site you are on now.

Cheers

Andrew

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

pascalfritz71 — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:44:46 GMT

@SaeedHamza Hey Saeed, thats already a great piece of help. Now unfortunately im stuck at the second part of the project... I cant seem to be able to find the right tools to make a sort of ring (with flat top surface) around the opening. This part will later be 3d Printed...

Any advice/Ideas?

Thank you so much

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

wersy — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:40:05 GMT

This mask does not produce a flat closed circle.
Somewhat modified at the forehead, you could print the mask upright.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

pascalfritz71 — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:55:20 GMT

Hey wersy, im sorry but i think you misunderstoo me. the 3D printed part will be adjacent and glued to the model I have posted around the holes (the model depicts the top part of a sports seat for a car)

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

TrippyLighting — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:26:00 GMT

@pascalfritz71 wrote:
Hey wersy, im sorry but i think you misunderstoo me. the 3D printed part will be adjacent and glued to the model I have posted around the holes (the model depicts the top part of a sports seat for a car)

Please provide a hand sketch (paper/pencil) of what geometry you are imagining and how the .stl file you posted relates to that geometry. Sure I can make assumptions, but I have no inclination to do so.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

pascalfritz71 — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:41:45 GMT

Hey, so i jerry rigged it in fusion to show my idea. Here is a screenshot and the file.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

TrippyLighting — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:52:26 GMT

Aha! That definitely helps. I'll respond in more detail later. I first have to attend to some work I am actually paid for 🙂

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

TrippyLighting — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:55:39 GMT

The very first thing you should do is if the imported object has the proper scale. If not re-import it (Insert Mesh) with the proper unit selected.

The next thing you should be doing is to determine if the scanned object is symmetrical.

It looks like it, so it should be moved so the axis of symmetry align with the coordinate system.

Then you can follow @wersy's workflow. I assume he started with a T-Spline face close to the scanned mesh and then and used the pull function to pull the T-Spline control points to the mesh. He then continued to model the T-Spline and continued to use the pull surface.

Once that is done, you can use the converted T-Spline as a Split-Body surface for these rings.

Re: Reverse engineering stl file

pascalfritz71 — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:14:50 GMT

Hey Peter, thanks for the answer. I have done these things using saeeds Model of the seat.

What stumps me is how to properly create the rings as :

1. I dont have a single flat surface to join create the base of the rings.

2. Loft functions only seem to work as a mix and match of converted/deleted surfaces and bodies

Maybe you could have a look at the f3d file I have uploaded? That would be amazing, just for a few hints of what im doing wrong.