Create Solid from Topo surface for 3D printing

[AndycMacp]

We just got a new 3D printer in the office and we are trying to find a way to print a topo surface. I've read blogs and watched tutorials but have struggled with each one. Does anyone know of a good tutorial or a plug in to export a topo surface as a mass in a STL file? If seems a little weird that Revit doesn't have this inbuilt!

Thanks in afvance, Andrew

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @AndycMacp

I've accepted your post as the solution to this exciting thread.

If you also find other posts have helped with or solved your problem, please click on 'Accept as solution' to help others with similar questions. this will greatly benefit the community seeking workarounds! Thanks for your time and patience for this issue.

Thank you,

[AndycMacp]

Thanks Viveka and for all you help previously.

I really think this is worth raising with the developers as printing topo surfaces straight from Revit would be very helpful. The Dynamo solution didn't work every time and required a steep learning curve!

[Viveka_CD]

@AndycMacp I agree.

I'll do my best to pass along this information to the dedicated resources.

Regards,

[Viveka_CD]

Hi there @AndycMacp

Here's an update:

I've posted your idea and request to the Revit Ideas forum.

Feel free to add additional comments for consideration and please vote, pass it along to your co-workers!

Good luck!

[AndycMacp]

I'm adding to this tread as it now seems Revit 2022 will export topo surfaces cut by a section box to an STL file for 3D printing.

However, with my current model, it appears to cut the topo surface horizontally at odd intervals, so that the topo prints in separate horizontal sections which should really print as one model. I can't tell if these unwanted splits occur in line with Revit 'pads' or are just random. When I try and 'repair' the topo STL file through 3D Builder, 3D Max or Pursaslicer the problems just get worse!

I've attached a few screenshots and files. I would be amazing if someone could help and see if I am doing anything wrong! I've not been able to replicate these issues in a blank file. Out Revit file istoo large to attach.