| nodes and rods (network) structure [message #45910] Sat, 24 March 2012 12:20 UTC |
 |
|
Hi,
I am very new to 3D prototyping. Unfortunately, I am starting with a quite complex model (got no other choice). I have lots of questions.
My model is a network structure; geometry is composed of very simple elements, that is nodes (spheres) and rods (extrusions of circles). What varies is the orientation of these elements in space. I model in vectorworks, that exports to STL.
I tried many times to upload to shapeways, but had no luck. Since all elements of the structure remained separated, I thought that making a boolean union of the whole would be a good thing. I mean, joining solids avoids non-manifold geometry, correct?
I only partially succeeded because I ended up with three solids. Vectorworks refuses to join those three. Can someone suggest another software to make the union?
Also, when I export to STL and check in netfabb, I don't get only three shells, as I expected. I get MANY MANY of them... how is that explained?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #45921 is a reply to message #45914 ] Sat, 24 March 2012 14:54 UTC |
 |
|
I've divided the structure into a few modules, isolating the parts that repeat. Shapeways upload system still responds that "Only manifold objects can be printed".
Can anyone help me understand what the problem is?
I attach the module I am currently working on.
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #45922 is a reply to message #45921 ] Sat, 24 March 2012 14:59 UTC |
|
|
|
Is it me, or attachment doesn't work?
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #46042 is a reply to message #45950 ] Tue, 27 March 2012 17:56 UTC |
|
|
Hello stonysmith and jacant,
thank you very much for your help.
@stonysmith: I performed the 'default repair" as you said, and once it finishes and the repaired piece replaces the old one, the big " ! " on the lower right corner disappears so I assume all problems are solved, which is not because i still get an error when I upload to shapeways...
@jacant: I am more than willing to send you my file if you think you can help. I exported to DWG. Strange thing is that when I open this file with autocad 2012 for mac, the geometry appears corrupted, while opening in rhino it looks fine.
Anyway, if you give me your email address, I will send the file to you.
Again, thank you guys for support! it is truly appreciated
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #46046 is a reply to message #46042 ] Tue, 27 March 2012 18:48 UTC |
|
|
My email address is at the bottom of the page with this reply.
jacantdesign@gmail.com
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #46051 is a reply to message #46042 ] Wed, 28 March 2012 00:36 UTC |
|
|
What error are you getting when you upload the model (after repair).
Patience, Persistance, Politeness - the 3Ps will help us get us to Perfect Printed Products
|
|
|
| Re: nodes and rods (network) structure [message #46106 is a reply to message #46051 ] Wed, 28 March 2012 20:28 UTC |
|
|
If you fixed this in Netfabb, and it still got rejected it could be that it is a big model. There are different rules for 'big parts'
http://www.shapeways.com/design-rules/wsf_bigparts
As can be seen your minimum wall thickness will need to be 1.92mm.
My email address is under this last line.
Attachment: bitmap.png
(Size: 65.09KB, Downloaded 90 time(s))
[Updated on: Wed, 28 March 2012 20:30 UTC]
jacantdesign@gmail.com
|
|
|
Search
