How to solidify a mesh

[yflpov]

Hello, everybody.

I have an STL file of an engine with all its features inside (valves, pistons etc.) and I want to solidify it/make it one uniform piece so I can print the outline of the model while disregarding all the features inside of it.

While I was researching on this I found info about creating a Sculpt body that approximates my mesh, but my file has lots of sharp angles, rendering this approach inapplicable.

Until recently I was using Tinkercad and the process that I would use there would be to insert my file and "plug" solid objects (cubes, cones etc.) within the mesh and group them, yielding solid insides. The reason I stay clear of Tinkercad is that 1)the mesh has a huge amount of triangles and 2)I want to migrate to the "big boys" programs.

Hoping for suggestions.

Best

[JDMather]

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@yflpov wrote:

I want to migrate to the "big boys" programs.

Hoping for suggestions.

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Can you zip and attach the original stl file here?

[yflpov]

Attaching archive with the STL I'm working with and a picture of what I want to solidify/make one with the rest.

Note, what I work with is much less of an engine...wanted to explain the situation more clearly is all.

[JDMather]

I guess I misunderstood the question.

I am not a big fan of using stl planar faceted faces for something like this.

I was expecting something far more complex.

For geometry this simple - I would model it from scratch as proper geometry.

[yflpov]

Fair enough.

For the sake of the question. How is this achievable?

[dstevenslv]

You'd model the various parts as components then assemble them using joints.  For example the piston rod would be a component as would the piston, crankshaft, etc.  I use sketch based modeling, others use primitives or splines.    What you use depends on what you are used to or in some cases the geometry of the part can dictate the method.   If you are just looking to solidify a mesh so you can print a static model there are other tools that would be easier and quicker to do the conversion.

If you have the time to learn it would be a good little project to introduce you to using Fusion modeling and assembly.  It would teach you the basics and enable you to add some motion if you wish.

[yflpov]

Thanks for your input.

Learning how to model in a more advanced manner was indeed the goal of this "project".

Best