Software for converting/editing existing files?

stratafied · January 30, 2016, 6:48am

Hi all. I’ve been doing 2D CAD for a long time, started using 123D a few years ago. Still improving my printer.

I’ve downloaded a T-rex skull file (STL) that I’d like to print for my son. Rather than do a 10(+?) hour print, I’d like to break the model into smaller pieces and do multiple prints. After saving the file as a .123dx I tried modifying the model but couldn’t. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks.

Chris_Halliday · January 30, 2016, 7:06am

Hi @stratafied

Would this be what you are after in 123D Design? Hopefully it helps. http://www.123dapp.com/smb-123D_Design/Practice-Split-Solid/1215541

Gene_Crady · January 31, 2016, 1:48am

If you don’t mind straight segment cuts, then Netfabb can do simple X,Y or Z plane cuts, using the original STL file, and separate the pieces in to individual .stl files. Cutting straight across a given plane, produces a flat surface that is easy to set on your build platform.
Gluing PLA - use “Harbor Freight - industrial strength super glue”
Gluing ABS - use “Testors - model cement”

stratafied · January 31, 2016, 6:42am

Thanks Chris,
First I tried creating a plane and using; extrude, subtract. The model was ‘ignored’ by the subtract command. Same results for an STL file and for a 123dx file. Curious!?

Gene,
I have a copy of Meshmixer. Does it have a similar command as Netfabb?

Thanks all.

p.s. OK I found this: https://blog.pinshape.com/stl-files-for-3d-printing-modification-10-steps/
I’ll get back to you after I have a test drive.

stratafied · February 20, 2016, 11:39am

This was easier than I thought it would be. Meshmixer has a cut plane that you can position using ‘handles’. I cut the original model into numerous .stl files and printed the entire model as separate (average about 1hr each) prints. My son has been holding onto his new toy all afternoon

Karen · February 22, 2016, 5:28pm

So glad that you ended up being able to print this out and learned how to splice up a model! Good work

stratafied · February 23, 2016, 7:09am

A picture’s worth a thousand words (but words enhance the picture).
Thanks “harry” for posting the model which can be found here:
https://pinshape.com/items/9407-3d-printed-t-rex-skull

To make the sections, I opened the original file in meshmixer and immediately did a “save as” in case I wrecked it. I did successive plane cuts, saving each file in numbered sequence. The important part of the process is to undo each cut immediately after saving and reversing the direction of the cut. This method guarantees that all of the sections join at exactly the same plane.
The aim of doing it in sections was to minimise the use of support material. I used superglue ($2 per 7 tubes from the ‘cheap shop’) to fasten the sections together.
Comments/suggestions welcome.

Karen · February 23, 2016, 3:51pm

Can barely see the seams! And good tip on the immediate undo-ing

tomtaylor970 · April 17, 2020, 5:35pm

Can pinshape is useful for my site dug rug where I can convert or editing my site files.Which basically all are related to shirts and hoodies.