Import and Edit .STL File

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to import this speaker cover .stl file (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1212229) into Fusion 360 to edit it for my own vehicle. The only way I've found I can import it is by doing so as a mesh function; however, it won't let me select edges and such to sketch lines on it. Can someone help me out? All I need to do is scale and extrude. 

[laughingcreek]

My best advice would be to do those things in something like mesh mixer instead.  Fusion sucks at editing mesh files.

[laughingcreek]

After looking at the file, my next question is why not just make it natively in fusion from scratch.  pretty simple geometry, and you would have more control over the outcome.

[Anonymous]

I'm not very experienced with modeling yet, so even though that is quite simple it would take me hours and hours to figure out... so I'd rather just spend 1 hour editing it. 

I tried to use Mesh Mixer (in Fusion 360) but that didn't change anything with regards to selecting edges, or really any part of the mesh body.

[laughingcreek]

To edit the mesh in fusion, you have to go into the mesh workspace.  If the time line is on, then right mouse click the mesh feature in the time line to edit. if the time line is off, then go to the upper left corner of the modeling window and select the mesh workspace.

FYI-the mesh mixer functionality in fusion is what I was referring to as sucking.  For what ever reason, the functionality is greatly crippled compared to the full Mesh Mixer program.  If you still want to directly manipulate the mesh, I still suggest putting it into mesh mixer.  Doing most things to meshes in fusion is a real headache.

And in case you decide later to look at modeling that thing, I attached an approximation based on the picture you posted.  You would have to edit for dimensions of course.

[etfrench]

I agree with @laughingcreek, modeling this natively in Fusion 360 would be best.  Treat it as a learning experience so the next model you create won't take nearly as long.

One way to migrate the stl to native Fusion 360 is in the following screencast:

Once you get the outlines created, use the Extrude tool to create the 3d model.

Another option is to convert the STL to a brep object. Do this by changing to Direct Modeling mode by right clicking on the top node in the Browser, then selecting 'Do not capture design history'.  Right click on the mesh body and select 'Mesh to Brep'.  You can now edit the Brep model.

[Anonymous]

So there's no way to import it as if I made it myself (i.e. every import HAS to be mesh)?

[etfrench]

It's actually preferable to get 3d models in any other format than stl. Step, iges, solidworks, etc.. These other formats need to be uploaded instead of inserted.

[Anonymous]

Okay so is there any way to upload or insert this STL file so I can manipulate it normally, or change the file type so I can upload/insert it to manipulate it normally?

I just want a straight answer.

[etfrench]

See my first post as well as @laughingcreeks. They answer both questions. 

What have you tried so far?

[TrippyLighting]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Okay so is there any way to upload or insert this STL file so I can manipulate it normally, or change the file type so I can upload/insert it to manipulate it normally?

I just want a straight answer.

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 No!

Normally in Fusion 360 and any other CAD format this geometry is created with solid modeling or surfacing also called BRep. Even when create ing Sub-D modelers, there you work with quad meshes and not triangulated meshes.

.stl files were initially purely thought of as output to a 3D printer nada were never intended to be further edited.

If you want to edit this .stl mesh its likely best do in Autodesk Meshmixer, which is a different program.

I agree with what @etfrench and @laughingcreek have said that it would be best to re-model this with the native tools in Fusion 360.. No free lunch here!

[brenden.mulhern]

Look up Lars Christiansan + Fusion 360 Tutorials not positive on last name on YouTube he does this I believe but he does some good tutorials