How to edit an STL file in Inventor 2016

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I'm a relatively new user to both AutoCad specifically and CAD in general.  Please forgive any beginner errors.

I have an STL that I would like to extrude and then bend it; I'm eventually going to mold it onto other item in another program.  I'd like to extrude this side to thicken it to help improve the fit.

Side to be extruded

I imported the STL file and converted it to a solid body.  I then select the side I'd like to extrude, click on the "extrude" command, and get this result:

Upon Attempted extrusion

"No valid closed loops found in sketch for building a profile.  Use Project Geometry, add sketch geometry, and/or drag the loop endpoints to close the loop."

I follow the protocols and when i diagnose the sketch no errors are found:

I'

I tried to use the repair environment to fix everything but without success.  

Any suggestions on what to do next?

Thank in advance for any help.

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

1. I'm a relatively new user to both AutoCad specifically and CAD in general.  Please forgive any beginner errors.

2. I have an STL that I would like to extrude and then bend it;  

3. Any suggestions on what to do next.

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1. You appear to be using Autodesk Inventor, not AutoCAD.  AutoCAD is a completely different product.

2.  STL is an end form for 3D printing, not a beginning form for engineering design.  If you examine the geometry closely - you will notice that there are no curves.  All is coarsely faceted planar triangles.

3. I recommend that you use the geometry derived from stl only as reference in creating proper geometry from scratch.  Fortunately this is relatively simple geometry.  If you do not know how to create proper geometry - Attach the *.ipt file of your initial attempt and someone will demonstrate the best techniques.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Yep, like I said, pretty new and not an engineer.

I would love some advice from the experts!  

When you're talking about using it as a model for a new geometry, are you meaning that you essentially trace over the pattern, or is there some function I can use?

Thanks in advance for the help.  

[Xun.Zhang]

Hello @Anonymous,

I took a look at the attached part and it was saved in 2019.2.

In the sketch, there is no sketch elements at all, you have to make some elements as close loop to perform an extrusion. i.e. Create a rectangle and then make an extrusion from enclosed sample.

For more details, please go to Inventor online help.

Hope it helps!