How to 3D print with correct dimensions

How to 3D print with correct dimensions

Anonymous
Not applicable
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Message 1 of 8

How to 3D print with correct dimensions

Anonymous
Not applicable

When I take my .stl file that I exported from AutoCAD and import it into Cura it auto scales 10000% because it is so small. How do I Print with correct dimensions? I am sure it is a setting in AutoCAD that I need to adjust before I export. 

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Accepted solutions (1)
4,148 Views
7 Replies
Replies (7)
Message 2 of 8

Patchy
Mentor
Mentor

Many printers do that auto scale, use the scale in 3d printer software.

Scale.JPG

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Message 3 of 8

Anonymous
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Yes, but how can I check that I have scaled it to the proper dimensions? If I scale it to 100% it is incredibly small.

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Message 4 of 8

Patchy
Mentor
Mentor

Why don't you print a cube and measure it to test?

Message 5 of 8

Anonymous
Not applicable

That could be a decent workaround. I will have to experiment quite a bit though before I figure out the percentage I need to scale it every time. I also don't know that it will remain consistent because I don't know the cause of the massive decrease in size from my AutoCAD design. 

 

I was hoping that there would be settings in AutoCAD that would solve the issue. Settings that I could change before I exported the design to .stl to maintain the integrity of the dimensions. 

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Message 6 of 8

Patchy
Mentor
Mentor

Did you draw this with autocad? check the unit settings in autocad.

use:

-DWGUNITS and make sure it is correct.

Message 7 of 8

Anonymous
Not applicable
Accepted solution

I found 2 solutions. 

 

1. https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Convert-...

 

2. Because I created the original drawing in the imperial template I could export the .stl out of that drawing but needed to scale if 2540% which is consistent with the conversion formula for imperial to metric. 

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Message 8 of 8

simonquinn1226
Explorer
Explorer

what is the solution?  the hyperlink is to the site is removed.  i have been trying to find the solution to this for years.  my work around was opening the file in 3D builder, find the appropriate units and save it.   but im tired of doing that.

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