Converting meshes to solids

CaptainBisquick

Is it possible to convert a polygon mesh into a solid?

I need to use a mesh modeling program to generate my complicated hole pattern. I have to get it into my model, and I see 2 methods:

1. Export my model as a mesh and do the boolean subtraction there.
2. Export my hole pattern as a solid and do the boolean subtraction in OnShape.

Both options could work since the ultimate destination for my model is a 3D printing slicer. But option 1 is bad because booleans are unreliable in my mesh modeler. So, is it possible to convert my hole pattern mesh to a solid that OnShape can do a boolean subtraction with? My hole shapes are triangles, so the resulting mesh would be pretty simple, just a big grid of triangular columns.

lougallo

@CaptainBisquick since our recent addition to supporting import of STL they can be referenced but currently not for boolean operations.  Maybe in the future.

lougallo

@CaptainBisquick since our recent addition to supporting import of STL they can be referenced but currently not for boolean operations.  Maybe in the future.

phylo_pylo

Did you figure out a way to do it?

Tizio

Years later and still no boolean for import? Is there some other way?

konstantin_shiriazdanov

The only software i know, which supports this kind of simultaneous usage of solids and meshes is the latest versions of NX, otherwise you have to reverse ingeneer your geometry first

billy2

I do a lot with meshes and feel the only way is to convert to real geometry before using. Mesh data size is huge and you want it out of your data structure quickly. There's no datums, there's no design intent and for me it's not that accurate. It's just a reference for me.

This is my experience, you might have a different need that invalidates my statements above.

In my designs involving meshes, I eventually suppress them in order to speed things up. Having them be a main stream feature in a design would mean a long day at work and would take all the fun out of designing stuff. At least for me.

MBartlett21

@Tizio

@billy2 went into detail about converting meshes here:
https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/48685/#Comment_48685

MBartlett21

CaptainBisquick said:

Is it possible to convert a polygon mesh into a solid?

I need to use a mesh modeling program to generate my complicated hole pattern. I have to get it into my model, and I see 2 methods:

1. Export my model as a mesh and do the boolean subtraction there.
2. Export my hole pattern as a solid and do the boolean subtraction in OnShape.

Both options could work since the ultimate destination for my model is a 3D printing slicer. But option 1 is bad because booleans are unreliable in my mesh modeler. So, is it possible to convert my hole pattern mesh to a solid that OnShape can do a boolean subtraction with? My hole shapes are triangles, so the resulting mesh would be pretty simple, just a big grid of triangular columns.

@CaptainBisquick
We can boolean a part and a mesh now:
https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/50058/#Comment_50058

GWS50

CaptainBisquick said:

Is it possible to convert a polygon mesh into a solid?

I need to use a mesh modeling program to generate my complicated hole pattern. I have to get it into my model, and I see 2 methods:

1. Export my model as a mesh and do the boolean subtraction there.
2. Export my hole pattern as a solid and do the boolean subtraction in OnShape.

Both options could work since the ultimate destination for my model is a 3D printing slicer. But option 1 is bad because booleans are unreliable in my mesh modeler. So, is it possible to convert my hole pattern mesh to a solid that OnShape can do a boolean subtraction with? My hole shapes are triangles, so the resulting mesh would be pretty simple, just a big grid of triangular columns.

I have posted a method that I use to convert meshes to solids here

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/7124/converting-stl-files-into-a-model-format-that-can-be-used-in-a-sketch#latest