FreeCAD and Mesh Import: Difference between revisions

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== Post-Import == <!--T:1-->
== Post-Import == <!--T:12-->

<!--T:1-->
After import the model is (for FreeCAD), just an assembly of faces. You might want to convert the model into a shape FreeCAD can recognize and that could be altered in FreeCAD.
After import the model is (for FreeCAD), just an assembly of faces. You might want to convert the model into a shape FreeCAD can recognize and that could be altered in FreeCAD.


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To do this:
To do this:
# Switch to the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part workbench]]
# Switch to the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Workbench|Part Workbench]]
# Select the mesh, and go to the {{MenuCommand|Part → [[Part_ShapeFromMesh|Create shape from mesh]]}} or press the [[Image:Part_ShapeFromMesh.svg|24px]] [[Part ShapeFromMesh|Part ShapeFromMesh]] button
# Select the mesh, and go to the {{MenuCommand|Part → [[Part_ShapeFromMesh|Create shape from mesh]]}} or press the [[Image:Part_ShapeFromMesh.svg|24px]] [[Part_ShapeFromMesh|Part ShapeFromMesh]] button
# Click {{Button|OK}} in the dialog
# Click {{Button|OK}} in the dialog
# Select the newly created shape
# Select the newly created shape
# Go to {{MenuCommand|Part → [[Part_MakeSolid|Convert to solid]]}}
# Go to {{MenuCommand|Part → [[Part_MakeSolid|Convert to solid]]}}
# Select the newly created solid
# Select the newly created solid
# Go to {{MenuCommand|Part → [[Part RefineShape|Refine shape]]}} or press the [[Image:Part_RefineShape.svg|24px]] [[Part RefineShape|Part RefineShape]] button
# Go to {{MenuCommand|Part → Create a copy → [[Part RefineShape|Refine shape]]}} or press the [[Image:Part_RefineShape.svg|24px]] [[Part_RefineShape|Part RefineShape]] button


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== Errors == <!--T:9-->
== Errors == <!--T:9-->


=== "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" === <!--T:2-->
=== "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" === <!--T:13-->

<!--T:2-->
Well, your shell seems to have errors, maybe it is not closed (has holes). Since the capabilities of the mesh workbench in FreeCAD are a little limited at the moment, you might want to try examining and repairing of your model with third-party software. After doing that, you may try importing and converting of your model again.
Well, your shell seems to have errors, maybe it is not closed (has holes). Since the capabilities of the mesh workbench in FreeCAD are a little limited at the moment, you might want to try examining and repairing of your model with third-party software. After doing that, you may try importing and converting of your model again.


== Third Party Programs == <!--T:3-->
== Third Party Programs == <!--T:3-->
* [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab]
** License: Open Source (GPL V2)
** Runs on Windows 32/64 bit, Linux and Mac OS X


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* [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab]
** License: Open Source (GPL V2)
** Runs on Windows 32/64 bit, Linux and macOS
* [http://www.netfabb.com/downloadcenter.php?basic=1 netFabb basic]
* [http://www.netfabb.com/downloadcenter.php?basic=1 netFabb basic]
** License: Freeware
** License: Freeware
** Runs on Windows XP/7/8, Linux and Mac OS X
** Runs on Windows XP/7/8, Linux and macOS

==Tutorials== <!--T:14-->


==Tutorials== <!--T:8-->
<!--T:8-->
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Export_to_STL_or_OBJ|Export to STL or OBJ]]
* [[Export_to_STL_or_OBJ|Export to STL or OBJ]]
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* [[FreeCAD Howto Import Export]]
* [[FreeCAD_Howto_Import_Export|FreeCAD Howto Import Export]]


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[[Category:User Documentation]]


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Latest revision as of 22:57, 19 January 2024

Post-Import

After import the model is (for FreeCAD), just an assembly of faces. You might want to convert the model into a shape FreeCAD can recognize and that could be altered in FreeCAD.

To do this:

  1. Switch to the Part Workbench
  2. Select the mesh, and go to the Part → Create shape from mesh or press the Part ShapeFromMesh button
  3. Click OK in the dialog
  4. Select the newly created shape
  5. Go to Part → Convert to solid
  6. Select the newly created solid
  7. Go to Part → Create a copy → Refine shape or press the Part RefineShape button

Note: The last step is not necessary, but it will clean the solid of most of its residual edges on planar and cylindrical surfaces.

Errors

"cannot convert because shape is not a shell"

Well, your shell seems to have errors, maybe it is not closed (has holes). Since the capabilities of the mesh workbench in FreeCAD are a little limited at the moment, you might want to try examining and repairing of your model with third-party software. After doing that, you may try importing and converting of your model again.

Third Party Programs

  • Meshlab
    • License: Open Source (GPL V2)
    • Runs on Windows 32/64 bit, Linux and macOS
  • netFabb basic
    • License: Freeware
    • Runs on Windows XP/7/8, Linux and macOS

Tutorials

Related