STL Workbench

GWS50

I have used STL workbench to repair an STL file, but how do I get that into a part studio?

NeilCooke

Hi @jack_pryne mesh import is for reference only (brep operations can only be applied to breps). You can reference any of the points from the mesh to create planes or use in sketches. 

OpenR2

A mesh is just a set of points. There is no mathematical surface behind them. Most professional CAD systems have a workbench that gives you the tools to covert the mesh to a surfaces and then to solids. 

GWS50

I have finally managed to get the STL file into Onshape. I started with 165000 faces and after much trial and error I decimated the file down to around 4000 faces partly with STL Workbench and partly Meshlab. Still the STL wouldn't import I just kept getting the document with the paper icon but no part studio. I tried OBJ and STL neither of which worked. After many attempts using MeshLab I then opened the file in Vectorworks and exported as an IGES file. The resulting file was around 10Mb and this time it imported and I was able to take the surfaces into an assembly for reference.

I would really like this process to be more robust and even using STL Workbench proved to be ineffectual. Is there an issue with number of faces or file size that may stop the import happening correctly. (I know the 3DS format is limited to 60000 faces).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

OpenR2

I think I am more irritated that there are no error messages letting us know whats wrong .... than I am that there are issues with the importer. At least if we knew what the errors were, we would have a fighting chance at modifying the files so they could import.

All I have gotten so far is excuses. STL is complicated...ummm OK. STL is new ... I should expect it to be broken...um OK.

So this quarters attempt to use OnShape after a new functionality announcement has failed. I guess I'll try again next quarter.

GWS50

STL/OBJ import definitely needs improvement...it feels like it has not been properly fleshed out

jack_pryne

I cannot seem to apply any Onshape modeling commands to the STL model once I have imported it. What am I missing? Seems pointless to incorporate this into Onshape if Extruded Cuts and whatnot cannot be applied to the mesh.

NeilCooke

Hi @jack_pryne mesh import is for reference only (brep operations can only be applied to breps). You can reference any of the points from the mesh to create planes or use in sketches. 

OpenR2

A mesh is just a set of points. There is no mathematical surface behind them. Most professional CAD systems have a workbench that gives you the tools to covert the mesh to a surfaces and then to solids.