FreeCAD and Mesh Import: Difference between revisions

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== Operations after Import == <!--T:1-->
== Post-Import == <!--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 Part workbench
# Switch to the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part workbench]]
* Select the mesh, and go to the Part menu --> Create shape from mesh
# 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 OK to the dialog
# Click {{Button|OK}} in the dialog
* Select the newly created shape
# Select the newly created shape
* Go to Part --> Convert to solid
# Go to {{MenuCommand|Part [[Part_ConvertToSolid|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 Part --> Refine shape


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The last step is not necessary, but it will clean the solid of most of its residual edges on planar and cylindrical surfaces.
'''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 ==
== I get the error message "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" ! What now ? == <!--T:2-->

=== "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" === <!--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.


== Which programs can I use for examining/repairing of my mesh model ?== <!--T:3-->
== Third Part Programs == <!--T:3-->
* [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab]
* [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab]
** License: Open Source (GPL V2)
** License: Open Source (GPL V2)
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* [[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]]

==Related==
* [[FreeCAD Howto Import Export]]


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Revision as of 11:33, 16 February 2020

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 → 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 Part Programs

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

Tutorials

Related