I am working with a scan .stl file (Surface scan) and try to convert in to model using Scanto3D tool (2011). The problems I am facing: I could not able to see the measurements and the mass properties got disabled. My intention is to compute the volume of the scan object. I understood that we need to make a watertight model. I am not a profesional of Solidworks. Please suggest what could be the reasons that mass properties do not appearing. The same I can see when I open same .stl in Meshlab.
Hi. The problem with the .stl is, it is an extract from a surface scan. It is having one of the face Open. So I think there is a need to close the open surface and make it as watertight model to find the volume. I am not much sure on this statement. you can comment.
Yes, you need to close the open surface to have a watertight model otherwise you do not have an enclosed volume to measure. However, if you invent a new surface to make your surface into a watertight model, the resultant volume will depend on the shape of your new surface and the original one.
Hi. My goal is to find the volube difference of an tool before and after use. So we do scan it before and after, and will get two .stl files. I need to compute the volume difference from both the files. So if I adapt a method, which will make identical error in both volume measurements, still the volume difference remains same. If you have any better approach to suggest, it will be a great help.
Ah - I see what you're trying to do now. Yes, with the same method you will be able to make an identical 'error' and get what you need. I have no better approach.
Good luck!
Hi - if all you need is the volume of an STL body, Netfabb Studio Basic (free download from netfabb.com) gives the volume, area, etc. Doing this in Solidworks from an STL is going to be hard work, as the Scanto3D tool needs a lot of work on complex surfaces to produce a watertight model.