How can I upload a simple STL file, have it repaired and downloaded to me as Netfabb used to do?

[toysbyus]

Hello All:

I'm a retired hobbyist and used to upload simple STL files to the online service.netfabb site where it was repaired and downloaded back to me so I could 3D print using CURA to slice it. Now that Fusion 360 has replaced the old Netfabb, what is the process for doing the same process? BTW, I am running Apple Big Sur on a MacMini w/ 16 Gigs Ram and, most importantly, I am 74 years old and just want to continue my infrequent use of Fusion w/o the complexities and features that are now in Fusion.......anything that you folks can tell me would be so very appreciated!

[toysbyus]

Let me add that being as old as I am, I really need some simple step-by-step instructions so I can refer back to the responses that I hope will accrue.......the old Netfabb online service was working until just several weeks ago, I gather.....this AM, it's no longer available to us old farts.

Your suggestions would be a HUGE help.

Thanks, everyone, for your patience!

Steve

[lukas.fuhrmann]

Dear Steve,

Thanks for posting here. From your post above I was not 100% sure if you are already using Fusion 360 or not. If you are you can simply follow these 5 steps to quickly repair the part with the same result as the online service gave you. I have also added a quick screenshot:

1. Click on the Mesh tab

2. Click on Insert Mesh and load your broken STL

3. Click the repair icon in the ribbon

4. Click on your part to select it

5. Click on OK to accept the input (you could also change the repair options, but "Stitch and Remove" should give you similar results to the online service)

In case you don't have Fusion 360 installed, the best option for you would be the free version of Netfabb. In this case please reply here again and I will also add some instructions on how to install and use it.

Best Regards,

Lukas

[Sualp.Ozel]

Hi Steve 

You can also watch the video (https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/courses/AP-MESH-REPAIR)  we posted on the old Netfabb repair webpage (https://service.netfabb.com/)

This is 1 of 6 videos we recently posted about mesh workflows in Fusion 360.

This video series will guide you on how insert mesh bodies, and repair them in Fusion 360.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Sualp Ozel

Autodesk Inc.  

[toysbyus]

I'm unsure which appl. I should be using on my Apple running Big Sur. If I could just operate like I used to on the old classic Netfabb online service, I'd be thrilled. Uploading my STL file to Netfabb, allowing it to automatically scan and repair as needed, and then being able to download the "new" file renamed "fixed.stl" is what I'm trying to replicate using either Netfabb (if it's still operational) or Fusion 360 which I already have installed on my Mac.........just not seeing any "repair" command option....and not knowing very much about 3D, I'm sort of over my head.....

Anything that you might suggest as to which of the 2 options are most like the old Netfabb would be wonderful......and THANK YOU!

Steve

[toysbyus]

Hello Lukas:

I THINK I just repaired my file but am not sure. Tried following your jpeg but being low res., the image details were hard to decipher. 

If you can also provide some directions using the old Netfabb (as long as it will run on my Big Sur Mac Mini), that might be best for my purposes. Not being used to the Windows tool bar look, things are more challenging.

In Fusion 360, I did get an option to "name" the file that might have been repaired within Fusion but again, not sure if the repair was actually accomplished. I just dropped the renamed file into Cura, my slicing appl. and it does look good BUT, again, not sure if the file was repaired or just renamed......

[lukas.fuhrmann · Accepted solution]

Steve,

Unfortunately Netfabb does not run on Mac, so this will not be an option for you. 

Fusion 360 will give you an indication of the part needs repair or not by displaying a small triangle in the part tree (see attached screenshot). After repair the triangle will disappear, telling you that the repair was successful and the part does not have any more issues. Unfortunately it is not possible to upload higher resolution images, but I really encourage you to watch the video Sualp has posted. It explains the steps well and the repair can be achieved with just 5 clicks.

Best Regards,

Lukas

[toysbyus]

Aha, that explains it, Lukas!

Thanks so much for pulling my fat out of the fire, I'll do what I almost NEVER do....watch the demos and read the instructions!

You saved me mightily.......

Stay well and safe, my knowledgeable friend!

[toysbyus]

I'm back with a practical question now........Fusion seems to repair and save my file as a v1.f3d format file....which will not load into my slicing appl., CURA.

Any idea how I can accomplish the repair and save it out as an sty file which CURA will accept?

Thanks so much,

Steve (older than I was before)

[toysbyus]

That's "STL" format as the repaired file format....not STY, sorry!

Steve

[toysbyus]

Watched the video as suggested BUT does not show any way to edit the final file so it's an STL file which Cura will accept..........is there a solution for that?

[toysbyus]

I stumbled on the ability to save a repaired file out as an STL formatted file.....whoo hoo.

Just save out as a "3D model" and out comes an STL.

Thanks!

Steve

[lukas.fuhrmann · Accepted solution]

Great, I was on holiday for a few days so wasn't able to reply. Good to hear you managed to solve the issue.

[toysbyus]

Nothing will ever be as easy to use, however, as the old Netfabb.....sadly missed but luckily, I was able to get Fusion to do what I needed it to.

If I was younger and still working, I might have learned how to REALLY use Fusion as it was designed to be used.

Hope you had a decent break from work!

Steve

[toysbyus]

Another question please: having repaired or attempted to repair 10 files over the past months, how can I delete the previous attempts? I'm at the 10 file limit and am a hobbyist NOT a professional.

Thanks!!

Steve

[lukas.fuhrmann]

Hi Steve,

This article gives a good understanding on what documents are:

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/the-10-document-limit-for-personal-use-explained-i...

so the easiest way to delete is to right click on images on the left data panel and select "delete". (see attached screenshot). Then you can create a new document for the next stl file you want to repair. Alternatively you could also just always use the same document for repairing and delete the body after you have exported it. This can be done by right clicking on the parts name under "bodies" (see screenshot delete_body).

Hope this helps,

Lukas