File transformations for rapid prototyping

[Nils]

Hello,

I would like to use a STL export from Delftship to send it to a 3D printer for rapid prototyping.

Is there a way to apply a shell thickness that can be read by the 3D printer in Delftship, or do I have to use a suitable CAD program? Which CAD program is capable to do that?

Thanks
Nils

[giorgio zuppin]

Hi Nils, try to make a fully enclosed volume model, i.e. a decked hull or a double face, outer and inner hull, wich defines almost a “thickness” not compulsory related to real one.
Then export it to Autocad or FreeCad or CAESES in .dxf, for what I know all printers in the FabLabs accept it.
It,s a compromise, but hulllines almost are preserved, wich is the goal of a test model.
Bye, Jurgen.
P.S: Edited this answer, ’cause I have to point out the reasons of checking your .dxf export on a CAD prog. to assure it’s a closed mesh, a volume, you are exporting.
otherwise it will end in a nice mess of lines and points.

[Nils]

Hi Jurgen, this approach is probably the more elegant way.

I generated a NURBS surface from the DS export with Rhino and trimmed a solid block against the surface. The solid-shell command didn´t work, so I scaled the solid model and trimmed the original one against the other. The hull thickness varies a lot but at least I have a solid body for the printer. I will let you know which way works the best when I get the results.

[Nils]

The closed double shell worked very well and the models are fine.
Thanks for that hint.

[giorgio zuppin]

Nice to you sharing this info, 3D printing it’s a valuable asset for modelers, technicians, also for private venturers or start up enterprises, so any news about it is welcome.
Jurgen.

[Marven]

the prefrerred file format for 3D printing (and rapid prototyping in general) is the STL format. it’s available from the file export menu and it will export all the visible layers to an stl file. We use this ourselves for 3d printing too.

[giorgio zuppin]

Thanks, Mr.Marven, on my previous printed models I have used .dxf but sent to a friend in Slovenia who uses printers daily as a job; so I was not aware of details.
In effect .stl format is a convenient one: I work with it on DS export to FreeCad with good results.
Learning a bit a day…the oldest you are the more you appreciate.
Jurgen.

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