Is it normal for our downloaded models to be non-manifold? This seems to defeat the purpose of being able to download. I tried it in Sketchup, but not any other programs yet. Just wondering if I am missing a step or something.
Usually the downloaded model is the same model uploaded, maybe with the file name changed to suit Shapeways indexing. If a model is non-manifold on upload and Shapeways MeshMedic software can fix it then the model will pass and be printable. Useful software and service to use; NetFabb Studio Basic (free) - great for error checking, repairing and measuring models. NetFabb Cloud Service (free - requires email address) - Error checking and repair as well as boolean merging shells/meshes, returns repaired/merged mesh file.