Measuring small spaces in a 3d digital model

[Anonymous]

I am attempting to measure the volume of the small spaces (or negative space) of my digital model but I'm having trouble doing so. Does anyone have any advice as to tools or workflow methods to try? Thank you!!

[steffen_anders_adsk]

Dear @Anonymous,

Welcome to the Netfabb Forum!

Could you perhaps clarify what you mean, possibly with screenshots? Are you looking for the volume of fully enclosed cavities?

If so, the tab Shells in the Repair lists every shell in a part with its volume, even negative volume, if applicable. For this, the shell's triangles must be oriented properly, no neighbouring triangles must have normals in opposing directions.

To learn more about the tabs in the Repair context view visit the article in the Online Help here.

Best regards,

Steffen

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much Steffen! I have included a screenshot of what I am trying to analyze. Ideally, I want the measure of the partially enclosed space between the rocks. Any ideas? Thanks!

[steffen_anders_adsk · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Thank you for the screenshot.

With a model as irregular as this, there is no direct way to measure the volume of the gaps directly. I would suggest you create an enveloping shape in a 3D modeling software. (In the simplest case, this could be a cube the size of the outbox for this model without the bottom surface.) Then you can subtract the model in your screenshot from it in Netfabb using Boolean operations to arrive at the volume of the gaps.

If I may, what is the application of this? Are you trying to make a mould for this piece?

Best regards,

Steffen

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much I will give that a try. It is for a science project looking at the available space on oyster reefs, I'm hoping to mould it but we shall see how that goes with such an irregular space.