topic Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing in Inventor Forum

Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

steveh5 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:24:30 GMT

Gang...I have a hand control which I am attempting to 3D print but struggling w/ finding the best method. All I care is the outside envolope w/ the internals being replaced with a solid. Just need to get the feel and aesthetics of the control. We have access to Fusion as well.

If the internal is a solid, I can control the density of the print thru the slicer for the 3D Printer.

Tried the Simply commands (Fill Voids, Define Envolopes) nothing seems to work. Am I missing something?

Thank you in advance,

Steve H.

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

kacper.suchomski — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:29:40 GMT

Use Simplify tool.

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

andrewdroth — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:35:48 GMT

I believe you are looking for the Simplified Part (Formerly Shrinkwrap) feature.

https://help.autodesk.com/view/INVNTOR/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-E0D77EB7-7527-4DFC-A1A4-83FEFDF3B4DD

"Use Create Simplified Part to convert an assembly to a single part with no interior features. You can then further simplify the part file by removing details, filling voids and defining envelopes. "

You will want to use the 'fill internal voids' option.

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

steveh5 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:51:53 GMT

I have been attempting that and get this error...

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

swalton — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:04:19 GMT

It looks like the model has some non-watertight surfaces.

Was this controller imported from a neutral file?

You may have to spend some time in the Construction or Repair environments to close all the gaps.

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

andrewdroth — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:22:28 GMT

In that case I'd derive that assembly into a new single body part, but only bring in parts that are external. Then through a combination of deleting faces, and creating patches make a watertight envelope. It will take some time, but should be doable.

I can take a crack at it if you'd like.

Re: Exporting an assembly as a dumb solid w/ no internal structure for 3D Printing

steveh5 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:31:11 GMT

Thanks everyone....was hoping for an easy button, but sounds like there isn't. I was able to get what I needed for the most part and was able to 3D print the main enclosure which is really what we were shooting for. Wasn't perfect but got us what we needed for now. Just needed to be able to hold in it in our hands.

Once again....THANKS!

Best,

Steve H.