Trouble with wireframe into solid model for .step export (3d print ahoy)

Anonymous · ‎10-30-2017

Hi all,

First time posting.

I have a client who asked me to make a model of an iron key. Ok, simple.

They are going to have it 3d printed as a mold, and then a real iron key will be cast. Sure, Ok.

ALL the files of the wireframe I have created and sent to the printer (.dwf, .dxf, fbx, igs, mtl, .obj, .stl, .step) are not accepted by the printer. The latest news is, It needs to be a solid model .step.

Q1 - Is this possible with with 3ds? What do I have to dooooo? How do I turn my wireframe model into a solid and created this .step?

I will sell all my goats for the answer!!

Thank you for the help.

-Marie-France

bob.bernstein · ‎10-30-2017

According to max help, max cannot export step. Surprised me. Here is an IGS export, in case you can convert igs to step. Just found out I can't upload an igs here. I'll rename the file key.igs.doc to fool Arno's filter. Just remove the .doc from the file name when you want to use it.

EDIT...Opened this in Rhino, and exported step ok. Here is the step file.

brentscannell · ‎10-31-2017

hi @Anonymous

Do you have any insight as to what the printer software configuration is? As was already mentioned, .step export is not directly supported but I'm sure we can figure out a way to unblock you here.

Brent Scannell
3ds Max Agile Product Owner
3ds Max Support and Learning | Subscribe to 3ds Max | 3ds Max Ideas | 3ds Max Beta Program

brentscannell · ‎10-31-2017

ah just noticed @bob.bernstein 's edit with the attached step file from Rhino, thank you!

Please let us know if this works out for you, I'm more than happy to investigate.

-Brent

Brent Scannell
3ds Max Agile Product Owner
3ds Max Support and Learning | Subscribe to 3ds Max | 3ds Max Ideas | 3ds Max Beta Program

Anonymous · ‎10-31-2017

I've only been told that the printer will only accept a solid .step model

Anonymous · ‎10-31-2017

This is actually not opening in rhino for me.

Anonymous · ‎10-31-2017

no sadly, it didnt open in rhino

bob.bernstein · ‎10-31-2017

perhaps you are confused. I used Rhino to convert the 3ds file into step. What are YOU trying to do with Rhino, and why? I thought having a step file was the end of your challenge. That file is in my post?

Anonymous · ‎10-31-2017

Hi, I couldn't open your .stp file, but I have fixed some intersecting polygones and fixed that and now it opens in Rhino.

Now, I do need a .step file. It needs to be a solid object.

Are all .step files solid objects?

I apologize this may be a obvious question but I am new to this and I was in school until it went on strike so my teachers can no longer help me.

😃

the file I attached was the one I managed to open. I dont quite now why I couldn't open yours.

Anonymous · ‎10-31-2017

What I have found out so far is that

My key is only turning into a open polysurface and not closed.

I need to cap it but when I try to do so it tells me

"Unable to cap 4 objects. The openings did not have closed, plannar loops of edges."

brentscannell · ‎10-31-2017

Not all step files are solids, the step file format supports both solids and mesh geometry as well as a variety of metadata.

That being said, most 3d printer drivers operate on mesh geometry and actually will convert solids to meshes anyway before printing. That's why I'd like to know a little more about to target environment to best provide further guidance. The .stl format ought to be consumable by the 3d printer software, .stl is designed for 3d printing.

I loaded your original file and exported it to an stl format, then loaded it up in meshmixer since it has some easy to use analysis and repair tools geared towards 3d printer. It found and repaired a few issues, maybe the attached file will work for you?

Brent Scannell
3ds Max Agile Product Owner
3ds Max Support and Learning | Subscribe to 3ds Max | 3ds Max Ideas | 3ds Max Beta Program

dgorsman · ‎11-01-2017

To expand a bit on @brentscannell descriptions...

There are quite a few different programs that can work on 3D objects, so communicating between them can be a problem. Because of that there have been several file formats developed independently, and most of them can contain not only 3D solids but other objects such as mesh (open or watertight) and simple shapes like lines and circles. These are sometimes referred to as "neutral formats" because they aren't tied to a specific program. Some of the more popular choices are STEP/STP, IGES/IGS (popular with mechanical design), and IFC (popular with commercial building designers.

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Anonymous · ‎11-06-2017

thank you, I sent it to him the night you sent me this. No reply yet. I will let you know if he does get back to me though.

Anonymous · ‎11-06-2017

thank you so much, I will remember this for next time. I have notes written down.

the guy has not gotten back to me yet, i will let you know if he does.

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***Trouble with wireframe into solid model for .step export*** (3d print ahoy)