Converting to STL file to 3D print

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I'm a teacher learning how use Inventor and to 3D print. I thought i'd try to 3D print something before my students need to start printing their projects.

I downloaded the file to print and i know i need to save it to as an STL file, Print> 3D Print Preview. But i keep getting the error in my screen shot.
Can anyone tell me why i'm getting the error and how can i fix it.

Cheers, Stephanie.

[Rob67ert]

Hi there and welcome to this forum.
The file you downloaded is not a solid.

Can you post the file here?
You have to make it a solid first to let it be able to use for a 3D print.
If it is a stl file, then you don't have to use Inventor, you can print it direct in your printer software.

[Anonymous]

Hi Robert,

Thank you, this is all new to me.

I'll attach the original file.
How do i make the object into a solid?

And if it is an STL, do i just put the file onto the Sd card and load it into the 3D printer?

Silly question but how does the printer know the settings?

Cheers, Steph.

[Rob67ert]

Hi Stephanie,
The original file is a stl file, you can see the in the extension of the file.
I really don't know what 3D printer you have and how is works. But most of them do have a SD slot or network connection.
I would suggest to make a model with Inventor and print that, instead of import a model.

[JamesLovell]

Hi there,

In a 'Normal' workflow the STL file or any model file would be loaded into the another program to configure & produce a print file (gcode file), this new file then contains all the settings the printer needs to print and get loaded into the printer.

Do you have another bit of software or are you using Inventor to produce your gcode files? (I've never used Inventor for that part of the workflow)

[Anonymous]

Hi James,

Thanks for the message. My school has the Autodesk licences for my STEM computers.
At them moment i' m teaching the students to design MP3 amplifiers to 3D print.

I had no idea i would need another program to create all the settings.

I was under the assumption that i just had to export to an STL then i would be able to 3D print.

I have a lot to learn! 🙂

[JamesLovell]

Have a look at this Video: http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2015/inventor/cp11801#chapter=0

Unfortunately 3D printing isn't a click & print exercise 🙂 (expect a very steep learning curve and a vast amount of hands on knowledge for successful prints) 

[mcgyvr]

@Anonymous

Read the operating/instruction manual for your printer so that you can "learn" how it works..

As stated most if not all 3d printers already come with the software you need.. Commonly referred to as "slicing" software..

It takes a 3d model (stl format) and slices it up into many slices representing each layer thats printed on your printer.. That software then creates the "control" code to tell that 3d printer what to do and thats typically in a "gcode" file (which is actually a human readable text file) which is used in industrial machines for drilling/cutting/routing,etc.. (CNC machines) and logically was also used by these 3d printers who function mostly identical to large computer controlled machines.

Some "homework" reading for you..

Basics 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code

Created for those with an "Ultimaker" printer but mostly relevant for all 3d printing..

How to properly design parts for 3d printing.. <--- This is a very important thing to learn about

http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/38-designing-for-3d-printing

Troubleshooting 3d print homework..

http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/23-a-visual-ultimaker-troubleshooting-guide

http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/30-getting-better-prints

Oh and be prepared.. I will have a surprise quiz for you sometime next week.. You can use your notes/flashcards though..  

[JDMather]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

I had no idea i would need another program to create all the settings.

---

To give a little encouragement, it is all really very easy -

your printer came with a driver software that reads *.stl files.

Simply load the *.stl files into the printer software and follow instructions to print.

If you are using existing stl files - you don't even need Inventor.

To create new designs for new stl files - that is what you need Inventor for.

After students have completed their new Inventor designs they simply Save Copy As (or Export) as *.stl and use the *.stl file as described above.

I will be doing an Open House on Sat 9AM-3PM in our 3D printing lab if you can come to Williamsport PA - I can walk you through the process. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Stephanie,

Inventor has some level of support for mesh object (import via stl or obj). On 2017, you can use Fit Mesh Face command to fit a surface body over a bunch of mesh. On 2018, you can create drawing views of a mesh part. The mesh editing ability native to Inventor is fairly limited.

I think you may want to consider using the following Add-In, free to subscribers and educators. This tool can be installed on top of Inventor. It allows you to convert mesh to Inventor Composite object (collection of bodies). Then you can stitch the Composite into a solid. You will be able to cut, split, or join the solid with all modeling commands.

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

Many thanks!

[dgorsman]

... and if you ever feel like you're in over your head and need a break, Google for "Epic 3D printer fails".  They don't always come out right but the results are good for a chuckle.