GWS Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Does anyone know how to open STL files in VW2009? Is there a translator available? Many thanks Quote Link to comment
Brian F. McGarry Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 The easiest way to achieve this is by downloading a free program called Meshlab (http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/) and converting the file into a .dwg or .3ds format. The advantage to this is that if you are planning to 3D print anything Meshlab will run analysis and allow you to repair any gaps or naked edges. Quote Link to comment
GWS Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 Thanks Brian, I'll give it go. I've been trying to find a program for exactly that, so many thanks Guy Quote Link to comment
michaelk Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Brian Can I ask you about Meshlab? I downloaded Meshlab, and realized I'm a mesh object idiot. Will Meshlab simplify objects that have 900,000 mesh objects? (I imported a 3d dwg into VW, exported as 3DS, opened in Meshlab,... and proceeded to destroy it no matter what filter I applied.) thanks in advance michaelk Quote Link to comment
Brian F. McGarry Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 MichaelK Meshlab I imagine keeps crashing when you apply the cleaning filters. It can handle the amount of meshes but once the geometry gets beyond a certain complexity it will not simplify in a meaningful way. Usually when there are multiply intersections of planar geometry occurring not at a vertex it starts to assume how to resolve these geometries. Which can lead to a crashing of the program. In that case I would use Rhino for Mac which has the most sophisticated tools for simplifying geometry. The tools will allow you to reduce the amount triangulation on planar surfaces which will reduce memory allocation, render times, and 3D print times. The other program that is available is called Magics by Materialize (http://www.materialise.com/materialise/view/en/92074-Magics.html)this is an investment, but well worth it if you going to be working with many complicated 3D prints. Since you are a Mac OS 10.5.3 user you can download the beta version for free here (http://community.irhino3d.com/) If you are willing to post your file then I will take a look at in Meshlab. Brian Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.