Slicer program not recognizing model

jimmy_hill306

I've tried several times to export my OS model to my local drive, and then import it into my simplify 3d slicer, but it isn't working. What am I doing wrong, and can anyone help me please? Today is my first day using OS.

Domenico_D

Hi @jimmy_hill306

Welcome to Onshape!

When you export a model from Onshape there are a few file type options. Are you making sure to export it in a file format that your slicer can use? Generally STL is used for 3D printing.

You can read more about exporting files from Onshape here: https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/exporting-files.htm

jimmy_hill306

I'm exporting in STL format, and my slicer finally recognized my model, but only if I converted it into a different scale which made it tiny. Is it because I'm trying to build my model in millimeters instead of inches?  How do I change the scale in OS from inches to millimeters. 

NeilCooke

STL is a unitless format. The slicer software should be able to scale it. 

S1mon

The amount of waste (time, parts which are made at 25.4X too big or small, etc.) in the world caused by this is incalculable. I'd love to meet the people that made .STL and .DXF unitless. I won't write down what I'd like to do to them...

MBartlett21

@NeilCooke

What units does Onshape export to stl with? The document units?

I find the slicers that I've used generally expect stls in millimetres.

mark_nahabedian

I'm having trouble with this too.  When I ask to download an STL file, OnShape prompts me for units -- implying that it will convert my model to those units for the STL.  Whether I pick inches, meters or millimeters, I get identical downloads.  Does the STL unit conversion option work?  What is the point of that selection?