Hello everyone,
For the past few days I have tried numerous methods to try and open and edit an stl file found on a 3D printing share site. I have tried simply opening it, and converting it to a .dxf and opening that (desktop computer ran for a day to no avail). Are there any other methods? Or is there someone willing to convert it to a solidworks file on perhaps a more powerful computer?
I appreciate any input.
The goal was to increase the width of the base plate, as it is currently far too thin to attach a sprocket to with countersunk bolts. If I were to use this piece, would it be easy to mirror the rest of the component? If not, would I be able to "stitch" a simple cylinder to the bottom of this stl from which I can 3d print?
Thanks!
Here is a parasolid of the basic shape, minus the under cut at the bottom of the teeth and the notch out of the side
This worked perfectly! As long as I skipped the analysis of faces, I was able to go in and modify the bottom planar surface.
Thanks!
William,
If you have SolidWorks Premium you have the Scan to 3D add in, which could help you convert it to editable surfaces.
An STL file is not very useful for editing in SolidWorks unless you are able to convert it to nurbs surfaces. If Scan to 3D is not available in the license, SolidWorks is limited to importing about 15,000 triangles (approx) as a single Solid or Surface Body.
Changing the STL import options to Graphics Body will allow for millions of triangles, but then its useful as a visual reference only, snapping, sectioning, or extraction of surfaces is not possible.
FYI:
Scan to 3D is part of SOLIDWORKS Professional and above. SOLIDWORKS Premium is not required. The full matrix of products can be seen here.
That's good to know, seems to be missing from the bullets on the "Pro" product page.
I do have education edition, so I believe it has scan to 3D, however it does not appear in the add on menu... Any ideas where it is?
William,
I missed your question, sorry.
Did you find out why it is not in the Add In menu? I don't have the Educational Edition myself but I see on the product web page it does include SolidWorks Premium, which should have the Scan to 3D add in. If you don't see it, check with your value added reseller.
William,
What is the end goal after importing the STL file?
I've attached a quadrant of your model, and reduced the triangle count to ~9,000.
You should be able to import this with less trouble.