Convert stl mesh to solid. Error - The selected component has no volume.

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, I am attempting to do some simulations with a specific design I have, however to do this its required I have a solid object. I know to give my mesh geometry I should first give it thickness, however anytime I attempt this the following error occurs: Could not Thicken. The selected component has no volume.

Can anyone help/explain?

I have the autoCAD file listed. 

[WHolzwarth]

File seems to be empty.

[Anonymous]

Oh sorry, this one should work. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

If you attached a *.zip file rather than a *.rar - you would likely get a solution within minutes.

Windows OS comes with a built in zip compression/extraction.

To extract an rar file requires installation of 3rd party software (and many of the "freeware" versions aren't really free - they include malware installation).

[mcgyvr]

Your rar contains an STL file of some goofy spiral/coil.. Is that right?..

Not sure what you intend to "simulate" on that but..

Where is the original file? 

If you are a subscription customer you can download the "Mesh Enabler" addin which will allow you to convert that STL to a surface or solid body..

https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/Detail/Index?id=6950391119076900441&appLang=en&os=Win32_64

[WHolzwarth]

Using Mesh Enabler will result in a long-time task.

I've used the Mesh -> Modify -> Reduce feature of Fusion 360 for the attached file (2016 ipt, EOP needs pulldown).

If the meshes are too coarse now, then a new attempt with less reducing must be done.

Walter

[Anonymous]

Thank you, I will give that a try.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you, I will give that a try.

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I recommend that you back up a bit and answer a couple of questions.  (because what you have to work with - I would call "rubbish")

1. What is the source of this geometry?  Do you have the geometry before it was converted to stl?

2. What type of analysis do you intend to perform?  What do you want to know?