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STL and OBJ imports not showing up

Marc_Miller
Marc_Miller Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
in Community Support
I'm testing out importing STL and OBJ files.  They seem to import fine (don't report any errors, and say Translation completed), but most of the time I'm not getting an actual mesh file, rather only a tab for the imported file that says No preview available.

I've tried importing STL files as ASCII and binary STL.  Does it matter?
Do the imported meshes have to be manifold, solid, have correctly oriented normals, zero intersecting triangles, etc, etc.?
What are the requirements that allow a STL or OBJ to actually show up as a mesh, vs just getting a tab that says No preview available?

Best Answer

Answers

  • bradley_sauln
    bradley_sauln Moderator, Onshape Employees, Developers Posts: 373 image
    It may take a little longer for the files to actually translate into something Onshape can use. When this happens you will see a tab appear next to the title tab (which is what you are seeing). If nothing imports please file a feedback ticket and share the document with Onshape support so we can take a closer look and help out.
    Engineer | Adventurer | Tinkerer
    Twitter: @bradleysauln


  • Marc_Miller
    Marc_Miller Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    So after it imports and says Translation is complete and a tab shows up that says No preview available, but if I keep waiting another tab might show up later with the mesh?  How long might that be?  Am I understanding what you said correctly?

    I'll open a ticket shortly and share a file.  Thank you.
  • jakeramsley
    jakeramsley Member, Moderator, Onshape Employees, Developers, csevp Posts: 669 image
    Marc_Miller said:
    So after it imports and says Translation is complete and a tab shows up that says No preview available, but if I keep waiting another tab might show up later with the mesh?  How long might that be?  Am I understanding what you said correctly?

    I'll open a ticket shortly and share a file.  Thank you.
    Once the translation is complete it should show up as a new tab.  Please file a ticket so that our support can take a look.
    Jake Ramsley

    Director of Quality Engineering & Release Manager              onshape.com
  • Marc_Miller
    Marc_Miller Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    Feedback ticket has been submitted and I shared this file:
    https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f4ae9059fede8adface02734/w/9f8f4b568f94446f9fe9c828/e/87d5c39f69367b44cddcd265

  • Marc_Miller
    Marc_Miller Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    I appreciate the info @ye_2
    I'll keep my eye out for updates.
  • matthew_barnett893
    matthew_barnett893 Member Posts: 2 ✭

    i cant even see import anywhere created document no import went into document no import tried to drag and drop no import what am i doing wrong all otrher software has no problems impoorting this exact file

  • NeilCooke
    NeilCooke Moderator, Onshape Employees Posts: 6,087 image
    https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/108617#Comment_108617

    To import an STL file into Onshape:
    1. On the Documents page, expand the Create pulldown and select Import.
    2. Browse and select the STL file you want to import.
    3. A notification will appear showing the import status.
    4. Once imported, the STL file will appear as a new Document.

    You can also import STL files into an existing document by clicking the Insert new element icon (plus symbol) in the bottom left and choosing Import, then browsing and selecting the file.

    Senior Director, Technical Services, EMEA

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