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Converting an STL to Solid - I need help with converting a STL file to a solid.
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Alexcad77  
#1 Posted : Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:47:56 PM(UTC)
Alexcad77

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Joined: 9/24/2014(UTC)
Posts: 6
I need help with converting a STL file to a solid. I imported a STL file and use a tool in the power pack to convert mesh to analytic. I got a message saying that "solid already separated." What does this message mean?
Am I doing the correct steps in order to convert an STL to a solid? I tried converting to a solid right after I imported the STL and I got a message saying "the maximum Number of facets is 3000." So I included some snapshots of the messages and what I'm trying to convert to a solid. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Edited by user Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:48:32 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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rokoko  
#2 Posted : Monday, August 21, 2023 1:14:28 PM(UTC)
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maybe watching a video can help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rBXBfmfkX4
viacad pro 10 powerpackpro, viacad pro 9 german, mac
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Alexcad77  
#3 Posted : Monday, August 21, 2023 9:35:31 PM(UTC)
Alexcad77

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Joined: 9/24/2014(UTC)
Posts: 6
I have the power pack but my version does not have those tools for the "3d print tool features". I have no idea why they're not showing up. I have version 12 pro and power pack. Am I missing part of the software?
Thanks,
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Alexcad77  
#4 Posted : Monday, August 21, 2023 11:23:36 PM(UTC)
Alexcad77

Rank: Junior Member

Joined: 9/24/2014(UTC)
Posts: 6
I figured out where the tools are now located. I watched the video to the link you posted and I watched many others. I'm still really confused because when I use the mesh to analytic tool it still shows a bunch of lines in red, and it doesn't appear to be one complete solid. When I try and put a hole in the center I can't because it is only selecting a tiny sliver and not the whole object. I'm assuming it's not turning it into a complete solid in someway? Please see attached photo. What am I doing wrong?
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24c  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, August 22, 2023 10:52:58 AM(UTC)
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@aAlexcad77

That's what Mesh2Solid does it takes the triangles and makes each one a solid AFAIK.
What you might be able to do is draw a circle on centre above the solid mesh and select all the solid objects and punch the circle through it.
Otherwise you could redraw the gear that way it'd be a solid.

Years ago I successfully converted a mesh to solid, I believe FreeCAD can do this', but most software that can is expensive.

Mike

PS if you provide a link to the stl, it might be good for others to experiment with
macOS 14.3.1 (Sonoma) - MacBook M1 Max 64GB 2TB SSD & external display - SharkCAD Pro v14.1.0 build 1652
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Alexcad77  
#6 Posted : Thursday, August 24, 2023 2:00:30 AM(UTC)
Alexcad77

Rank: Junior Member

Joined: 9/24/2014(UTC)
Posts: 6
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. It seemed to have worked. I Extruded a cylinder and then subtracted it from the gear which left the hole. Which is what I was trying to do ultimately.
Alex,
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