 STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #52960] Wed, 22 August 2012 01:20 UTC |
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I created an STL model in 3DSmax, shelled it in meshlab, repaired it in netfabb, and uploaded it to Shapeways. The dimensions of the object appeared constant (about 5cm tall) throughout the process, but after the upload/verification by Shapeways, the dimensions changed considerably.
For reference, here are the actual dimensions reported by the various apps (all on the same STL file):
3DS Max : 4.33 x 1.47 x 5.01
netfabb : 4.33 x 1.47 x 5.03
shapeways: 4.40 x 1.47 x 4.57
The Meshlab measuring tool confirmed it's about 5 cm tall as well. Everyone but Shapeways seems to agree with that. What's going on here and, more importantly, how tall with my model actually be when printed?
http://www.shapeways.com/model/674004/3484650607e6b6b96d746d 867c644fe4
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #52962 is a reply to message #52960 ] Wed, 22 August 2012 06:21 UTC |
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We can't see your model, you need to go into edit mode and select the 'Display to Public' option.
Just a few observations from your reported dimensions, regarding Units of Measurement;
Shapeways - upload options, meters, inches or millimeters
NetFabb - mm or inches
Is it possible that somewhere along the line, that metric to imperial or vice-versa conversions have been made or that the wrong units have be selected at upload?
This would not account for the differences in dimensions though, however if your model was uploaded as mm and it contains some very small shells, it is possible that those small shells would be removed.
It is also possible that Shapeways Mesh MEdic has 'repaired' your model and by doing so has changed the geometry - one way to check against this is to use NetFabb's Cloud Service which performs pretty much the same repair functions as Mesh Medic with the added bonus of merging mulitple shells into one closed mesh shell. Though again this doesn't seem like there should be an issue as you've used all the right tools for the job.
I can take a look at the model file for you if needs be to see if I can spot anything that could cause the dimensional issues.
Paul
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #52984 is a reply to message #52962 ] Wed, 22 August 2012 15:39 UTC |
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I've set the Display to Public option now.
It's an STL file and so has no implicit units of measurement.
The unit was set to mm upon uploading to Shapeways.
The model is one shell (generated via Meshlab).
NetFabb's Cloud Service reports the size as 43.3 x 14.7 x 50.3 mm (matching everything except Shapeways).
It also confirms it is 1 shell, 0 holes, manifold and oriented. 877972 triangles.
The STL file will hopefully be attached.
I am going to upload it again and see what happens (as well as carefully noting any messages generated).
0 hr: art & technology ( 0-hr.com )
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #52991 is a reply to message #52984 ] Wed, 22 August 2012 16:51 UTC |
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Same result with rebuild and re-upload: Shapeways is reporting a height nearly half a cm shorter than the model actually is.
I don't know if the printed product will be squashed like this, or if it is just an error in the height displayed. I can't tell from just looking at the Shapeways render preview.
0 hr: art & technology ( 0-hr.com )
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53013 is a reply to message #52991 ] Thu, 23 August 2012 06:05 UTC |
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Here are some screenshots showing the model measurements through the process. This is a newer version of the model, but the changes are minor (and the error still present):
It looks like everything else (including the total volume) is correct.
0 hr: art & technology ( 0-hr.com )
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53021 is a reply to message #53013 ] Thu, 23 August 2012 09:56 UTC |
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I can't find anything that would cause this issue. I'm getting the same as you for dimensions locally no matter what the filetype or software I check the model in, however after uploading to Shapeways, even with different filetypes, the results are the same as yours.
Very strange indeed 
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53023 is a reply to message #53021 ] Thu, 23 August 2012 11:01 UTC |
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Note that the volume is the same in all your examples, so your model is unlikely to come out distorted. I would guess that there is a difference in how the ShapeWays software calculates the hight over the pointy bit at the top of your model.
Bill Bedford
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53105 is a reply to message #53056 ] Sat, 25 August 2012 00:53 UTC |
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I just ran an experiment, Tilted a basic cube at weird angles. Exported it as a stl, imported it into nettfabb. Everything was ok, till I exported it as a stl, imported into blender. Now the bounding box view was aligned along the xyz axis, which led to weirdness in its dimensions. My guess is that if the model is not properly aligned in its creation, the end result once loaded to shapeways is off kilter in its specs, as long as the volume matchs its good to go.
Have any questions regarding Blender, and need fast answers, you are always welcome at the IRC Server Freenode, channel #blender. As a bonus, several there have experience in modelling for 3D prints.
Keith
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53293 is a reply to message #53105 ] Wed, 29 August 2012 08:26 UTC |
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That's what I thought too Fredd, but the mesh is square to the local and global axis - even finding the outermost vertices and noting their position equates to the dimensions as stated by Ki_Ryn, I even went on a hunt to see if there were any stray vertices not connected to the mesh that could account for the difference is size, but the model is 'perfect'.
Paul
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| Re: STL dimensions changed after upload? [message #53917 is a reply to message #53056 ] Wed, 12 September 2012 03:45 UTC |
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| Ki_Ryn wrote on Fri, 24 August 2012 03:07 |
I've uploaded JL06, which went directly from MAX through Netfabb and then to Shapeways.
I've ordered a print so we'll see if it comes out the correct size or not. .
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The model arrived today and it is the correct length so the error appears to just be in the value displayed by Shapeways. The actual model is not changed (which is good!). This will work for my needs, though I'll have to put a note in the product description about the actual dimensions differing from what is displayed.
0 hr: art & technology ( 0-hr.com )
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