FreeCAD and Mesh Import

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Revision as of 13:05, 4 August 2018 by FuzzyBot (talk | contribs) (Updating to match new version of source page)

Operations after 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:

  • Switch to the Part workbench
  • Select the mesh, and go to the Part menu --> Create shape from mesh
  • Click OK to the dialog
  • Select the newly created shape
  • Go to Part --> Convert to solid
  • Select the newly created solid
  • Go to Part --> Refine shape

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

I get the error message "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" ! What now ?

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 ?

  • 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