Questions tagged [cad]
For questions primarily related to Computer-Aided Design (CAD). If your question is about using particular software, you should also use the corresponding tag for that software (if one exists) – such as [openscad], [freecad], [tinkercad], or [grabcad-print] – in addition to this tag.
48
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How to I give my mesh object (STL/OBJ) a flat surface?
When scanning objects like sculptures using Kiri Engine (photogrammetry) often the bottom is open. What I currently do after exporting to OBJ, is opening it in my RevoScan app and use the "fill ...
- 376
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1
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34
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How to change the orientation of an object inside the STL or OBJ file?
I have little experience with CAD software, only use Thinkercad and only recently started using the Revoscan app. I know how to rotate files when slicing (in Cura) but that only has an effect on the ...
- 376
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0
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40
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How to replace color A into B using Meshmixer
I have a .mix file with multicolored objects. Using Meshmixer, I would like to change the surface color A into color B without modifying the rest of the colors.
In ...
- 11
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66
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How to use FreeCAD part library with A2Plus
I want to know how to combine this effectivly. I know where the files are located and that I can include them into A2tech. The thing is, that as example the "pcb-terminal-block-female-1x2" ...
- 101
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1
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91
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Define PrusaSlicer infill modifiers in STL/3MF?
I use a procedural 3D animation package (SideFX Houdini) for my 3D object design. After exporting my design to STL then importing to PrusaSlicer, I manually place modifier objects to adjust the ...
- 121
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0
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42
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Filling in space between two parts
I'm trying to make a mold of an airfoil, however the airfoil is cambered - I can't simply make rectangular bases and use a cut feature to cut the airfoil out of the mold body. The situation I've ...
- 111
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166
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How to horizontally align sketches in fusion360?
I'm working in fusion360. I have 5 circle sketches that I need to all line up in a vertical line. I tried setting constraints, but they were just putting the circles in the exact same x y positions. I ...
- 11
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2
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55
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Make a joint to keep together rings of PLA
I have a PLA 3D-printed object made of several rings with a diameter of 150 mm and a thickness of 6 mm. The height of each ring is about 30-35 mm but it does not matter so much.
I'm looking for a way ...
- 367
2
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3
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383
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How to take in account tolerances when coupling
I'm quite new to 3D CAD and printing.
I own a Dremel 3D45 and I use FreeCad / Ultimaker Cura as softwares.
My question is pretty simple.
Say you have to make one object with a pin and another with a ...
- 367
5
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2
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84
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Is there an example of tight coupling between CAD and sliced models?
I am on the hunt for CAD packages which can perform some level of slicing as an inherent model feature, instead of either exporting to STL and then importing into the slicer (a la OnShape) or directly ...
- 171
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297
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Software to Pose and Export FBX Character
I am a beginner and looking for software to easily pose a 3D character, which I currently have in an FBX file, and export the pose to an OBJ file.
For example, I could move the character's arm upward, ...
- 103
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1
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297
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Offline CAD software for beginners
I have used OpenSCAD to design a couple of basic things. However, I'm incredibly frustrated by the current state of CAD software: it's all browser based, or requires an internet connection. Or has a ...
- 1,095
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254
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How do you marry two object's holes in Freecad? 3D printing a drone
I am 3D printing a drone and I need very good tolerances for the holes so the arms and motors align correctly.
I have two sets of 4 holes for two solid objects (Imported as STEP)
I want to align the ...
- 171
4
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4
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721
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How can I convert a mathematically defined shape into a 3D printable G-code file?
Suppose I have the X, Y, and Z coordinates (either in a list or a function z = f(x,y)) that defines a shape as the one provided and I want to 3D print it with a solid bottom, is there an easy way to ...
- 41
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1
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703
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How to add tolerances/gaps in OnShape?
When printing parts that fit together, there's a need to offset them from each other with a slight gap to provide for the printer tolerances. It's possible to take that into account from the very ...
- 131
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1
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OpenSCAD render (F6) fails with "ERROR: CGAL error in CGAL_Nef_polyhedron3()"
I built a model and it previewed correctly. When rendering for STL export (F6), I got an assertion error:
ERROR: CGAL error in CGAL_Nef_polyhedron3(): CGAL ERROR: assertion
violation! Expr: e->...
- 4,481
2
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2
answers
152
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Fusion 360 Design Best Practices Question (Am I on the right track?)
So I've designed a few components in Fusion 360, but I'm kinda new to CAD. I did the tutorials AutoDesk have on YouTube, modelled an Arduino enclosure, a shampoo bottle, a lamp shade, etc. but what I'...
5
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1
answer
6k
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In FreeCAD, how do you copy a sketch from one plane to another?
I'm using FreeCAD, and I would like to duplicate a 2D sketch on another plane, but I can't seem to find an obvious way to do this.
- 187
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1
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7k
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How can I convert STL files into PDF drawings?
Does anyone know of an easy and free way to convert my STL models to a PDF drawing for CAD and metal CNC machining?
I've created some great designs that are all STL files and want to somehow send ...
- 41
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1
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90
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3D scanner for both replicate and quality control 3D prints
I've switched to industrial 3D printing.
I use 3DSystems Flex 100 printer.
As I print high detailed parts soon I've found out that I have to use quality control.
Software is not a question. I use ...
- 1
3
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2
answers
2k
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How to write arcs directly in G-code?
How can I write G-code for a triangle without sharp tips?
I want to generate the corners manually, rather than using a slicer to generate them, just to know how it is done.
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1
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1k
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How do I keep the .stl files from being resized while exporting?
I made a few models in Autodesk Inventor. When I tried to get them printed, the printer created a model smaller than the model I made in Inventor (270mm x 200mm). Is there a way to keep them from ...
- 23
2
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2
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525
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Hollow wing for rc plane
I am trying to print a wing for a rc plane with my 3D printer. In order to make the wing as light as possible I need to hollow it (and afterwards put some stable structure there). I've tried the ...
- 21
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3
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5k
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What is the point of diminishing returns on the STL refinement level in Fusion 360 on an Ender 3?
When exporting an STL from Fusion 360, one must select an STL refinement level to use for calculating the maximum triangle count.
For FDM printing (0.05mm and above layer heights), where is the ...
- 881
4
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4
answers
598
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How can I have a large 3D printed object?
I have a concept that's roughly 18"x30" (about 457x762 mm), and I just realized that the Makerbot and similar printers only allow dimensions around the size of a piece of paper. What are other options?...
- 149
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1
answer
240
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How to add "skin" to a Voronoi shape?
Suppose I'm given a shape with a Voronoi pattern, such as this lamp. I'd like to be able to add a "skin" which covers the complete shape on the inner surface so I could print it with translucent ...
- 3,013
5
votes
1
answer
4k
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How do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files?
Please, how do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files ?
I have over 3000 STL files, and I want to know their respective volumes and surfaces. I will use this data to be ...
- 166
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2
answers
5k
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What is the difference between STL and OBJ files and which one should I use?
One of the CAD programs I use is called TinkerCAD, which lets you export your design in either STL or OBJ form. What is the difference between these two file types? And which one is better to use?
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6
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STL to STP CAD Conversion
Does anyone know of a good way to convert a 3D print file, like STL, to STEP - a useable file format for plastic injection molding companies?
I have tried to convert the files through a couple of ...
1
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1
answer
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Make smooth curves in GCode
I am getting started with GCode, and I don't know all the commands. Is there a way to smooth a path between two points? I wrote a program which makes GCode from a silhouette. Problem is, when it looks ...
5
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3
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In Fusion 360 how do I select an entire 3D object, not just its sides or faces?
I'd like to mirror a triangular prism I made. However, whenever I select it I am only able to select the faces or sides.
Is there a way to select the whole 3D object to move or mirror it?
- 153
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1
answer
1k
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Can the `render` function be used to speed up rendering?
I am designing a moderately complicated piece in OpenScad.
It renders fast enough in preview mode (1s).
But when i do a full render so I can export to STL,
it takes ages (In the 10s of minutes)
I ...
4
votes
2
answers
1k
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How to modify 3D model of body?
I'm relatively new in the field of 3D printing and design. By now I've created and printed some technical objects with TinkerCAD, but now I've a task, which I don't know how to solve.
I have the ...
- 143
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1
answer
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How to design a worm-gear in FreeCAD?
I want to print worm gears for my robot arm. I would like to design it in FreeCAD. Normally, I would use involute gear for regular gears. However, this tool cannot be used for worm gears. I can't find ...
user9350
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1
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I am looking for laser cut cads for my prusa i3?
I have this prusa i3 printer(I don't know what model is it):
My bed part is broken. And I am looking for the cads to laser cut them! this is my bed pic:
- 365
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3
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478
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FEA in 3d printed solids
I would like to get a pretty accurate method to do finite element analysis (FEA) on my 3d designs considering the infill. I use Autodesk Inventor to design parts but the FEA can only be applied to a ...
3
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3
answers
1k
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How to concave a cylinder with Onshape?
If I have a 3D cylindrical extrusion (in Onshape), how can I scoop, carve, or indent a concave/parabolic curve in one of the ends?
The yellow surface is the target.
Here is the basic shape I'm ...
- 131
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1
answer
125
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Is B-REP a ready to print mesh
before a mesh can be printed it needs to be 'repaired'. According to most tutorials that is including making the shape close and removing inner shapes. Reading through B-REP in Wikipedia there is no ...
- 45
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3
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913
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Converting a mesh to constructive solid geometry
I have a mesh of a bowl that has the perfect shape of half a sphere. I want to easily convert it to the containing sphere solid and a box solid that will be subtracted from it.
Googling mesh to solid ...
- 45
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0
answers
282
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Plastic most closely mimicking Ultem in Autodesk Inventor
I'm trying to run a stress analysis on an assembly of parts that will be printed in Ultem 9085 (on a Fortus 400MC). I am trying to find a plastic that most closely mimics the material properties of ...
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4
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Can a 3D model of a copyrighted work be rendered legally without infringement?
I know this is still gray territory and it is asked so many times within the 3D printing and maker community but I'm curious about the limits of 3D models and were it touches on Free Use and ...
- 248
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529
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Can I design or remix a model in SketchUp Make and legally share it via Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory or similar?
SketchUp Make is licensed for non-commercial work only. This includes the output from the software.
Trimble Navigation Limited and/or its affiliates ("Trimble") gives you
a personal, ...
- 121
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2
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655
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Mesh/Geometry quality
tried searching but couldn't find anything.
I do not have a 3d printer so can't really experiment on my own, which means that when I am going to order a 3d print I want to get it as good as possible. ...
5
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2
answers
181
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Resources/methods to construct STL files using disparate parts using OpenSCAD
What resources or methods would OpenSCAD users suggest to piece together disparate STL files?
I'd like to take an existing STL model-library of STL parts (head, torso, arms, legs) and make it a ...
- 151
3
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1
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141
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Converting Injection Molded STLs to printable STLs [closed]
I bought a 3D printer kit a few years ago, and it's been working pretty well, the kit was made with injection molded parts. -- It's similar to a Huxley, and through the years, it's started to turn ...
- 343
2
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1
answer
345
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File Input data types
I'm a newb and don't know much about 3D printers.
In visual basic I can create vector data of 3d objects,that can be loaded into a binary or text file.
Can files like this be used with a 3d printer?
...
- 23
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6
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1k
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Choose infill percentage
Since I'm running a 3D printing facility of an engineering school, students are always wondering how much infill percentage affects the stiffness of the part. I know that it is impossible to get a ...
- 585
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4
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485
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Scan to vector?
I have some design diagrams only on paper. Scanning them to bitmaps is easy, but I've had no luck getting useful vectors out of them. I've tried vectorizers in programs like gimp, and a few online ...
- 3,201