STL import / Mesh to BRep

[Anonymous]

Hi,

In the features list, I found that it should be possible to convert a mesh (imported STL) into a BRrep surface, which I can then use further on. However, I'm unable to find that menu item in the Fusion 360.

Could anyone please guide me whats the best way to get the STL imported into a drawing and then convert the mesh to BREP?

I'm running Fusion360 2.0.1082 / Mac version

thanks!

Vojtech

[AbdnAllHope · Accepted solution]

I believe to see this option you must be in direct modeling mode.  

Right click on the root in the browser and select Do Not Capture Design History

Then look under Modify/ Mesh/ Mesh To BRep

The same menu is found in both the Patch and Model workspace.

phil

[deyop · Accepted solution]

In the current release you can't access the mesh capabilities in a timeline document.  You will need to create a Direct Modeling document or change the timeline doc by selecting from the context menu.  Then you will find the mesh capabilities under the Modify dropdown on the toolbar in either the Model or Patch workspace.  In the next release you would be able to access from the timeline document by creating a Base Feature.  The mesh features will be available when editing the base feature.

Thanks

[autodesk]

What is the best way to clean up converted BRep model?  Like merging triangles into faces, etc.

[deyop]

Basically when the the conversion from mesh to BRep is applied each facet on the mesh is turned into a three sided face. The resulting BRep should then be valid for other modeling operations such as Combine or Split Body.  If you did want to merge faces you could use the Merge command in the Patch workspace to do so but it may not help in any subsequent modeling operations.  

Is there something specific you wanted to do?

[cekuhnen]

To be honest I would say 99.9% of all STL imports are not suitable to be turned into BRep for serious further modeling.

If the mesh is very tesselated maybe I would use it as a 3D blue print to be used to rebuild the surfaces by hand.

If your STL model is more cubical and at best (maybe use OBJ instead) has quad faces you can easily turn cubical mesh objects into perfect BRep copies.

I used the last for a furniture project and it worked very well.