manifold, normals, strange texture

Hello,

I'm having a bunch of trouble with my models... I'm using Cheetah3D.

Here is my process:

- Create type in Illustrator
- Convert to shape
- Put holes at top
- Make compound path to punch holes
- Save as SVG
- Import SVG into Cheetah
- Put SVG path into extrude object
- Save as STL

When I import "fourdee.stl" into Shapeways, it works, but the image and 3d view shows strange lines across the front, but in Cheetah, it's perfectly flat.
See model 49069

When I import "fourdee-linear.stl" into Shapeways, it tells me only manifold objects can be printed. This is the same as the previous object, except I changed the bevel to linear.
See model 49070

When I import "helvetica2.stl" into Shapeways, it tells me the object has inverted normals.

I've been messing with all of this for a few days now, so I've lost track of everything I've done trying to get things to work...

Shapeways guys? Anyone?

as far as the lines on the surface, all of them show that. The best way is to open your stl in meshlabs. thats how it will look

There might be something wrong with the STL file, As MiniMagics won't open it, though MeshLab did. Perhaps try a different format?

Hi,

the striping you see after uploading 'fourdee.stl' is due to the rendering algorithm that we use - it'll try to smooth the surface of your object. The printed result will follow the exact geometry though, so it will print out just fine.

I also inspected the beveled object and I'm sorry to say that Cheetah made quite a mess out of that one. I tried to fix it for you but couldn't clean out all the self-intersections and open faces it had left behind

Cheers,

Bart

Can you suggest an easy 3D app I could use that is like Cheetah but does things correctly? I've tried Blender but it makes no sense to me

I know where you are coming from with Blender.
I first looked at Blender years ago, found I could do nothing with it, because I couldn't understand the interface, and give up.
I had another try about a year ago, ran through a few tutorials, bought a few books. Now I love Blender and find I can be quite productive. I've probably got a lot to learn still, but I know I can get things done and if I have problems with something - there will be a tutorial or forum I can turn to.

So it is worth sticking with to give it a go.

For a total beginner I would recommend "Blender for dummies" by Jason van Gumster. You can also learn the basics from the many text or video tutorials around.

You have touched on a common chord with regards to Blender. But i have to jump to its defense simply because it is so much more than a modeling tool. Yes, the interface is cumbersome, and the learning curve is pretty steep. But there is so much documentaion and tutorials out there to help you. In addition to multiple forums (Including this one) where you can ask for assistance for various problems. Folks like me and Bart (Shapeways employee) have a great deal of experience with Blender and are more than willing to assist.

Don't give up!

Here are some great sites to check out learning the basics of Blender:

http://blenderartists.org/forum/index.php
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro
http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/
http://blenderunderground.com/learning-blender-3d/

I'd also like to shamelessly plug my personal Blender newssite:

http://www.blendernation.com



Cheers,

Bart

My biggest complaint with the Blender interface, is that once it becomes second nature, it bleeds over into other applications. Now I keep hitting 'A' to select and unselect things in Word or PowerPoint (well, Pages and Keynote...).

DOH! How could I forget that one. Sorry B@rt!

hehe
:blush:

I hear ya!

the best advice I can give when it comes to Blender...

Always: One hand on the mouse, one hand on the keyboard. Once you get down the keyboard commands (All 8.7 bazillion of them) Blender is a breeze!

:laughing:

I really need to start learning blender, I just don't have the time or patience right now. But what I've seen from it is amazing. I'm wondering though, is it capable of producing precise models? As you can tell from my models I use a very precise modeling program. But if Blender can do precise, maybe I can use learning it as a work thing get paid to learn it.

Sure can mate. I make lotsa hop up parts for RC cars and stuff. Common for me to make bearing slots and all sorts of miniature doo-dads. Blender does not have a real world unit of measurement (like most 3D programs.) so I work under the assumption that one blender unit is equal to 1mm and use STL format. The basics are not that difficult to learn. the interface is confusing to the uninitiated because it does so much more than just modeling.

You can make a full blown movie with Blender, Games, Physic demonstrations, Jurrassic park 5!! hehe

There are several consortiums out there tight now trying to implement CAD functionality into Blender as well.

Get in there! When you get stuck ask! There are 2 million or so users all over the world.

Here, download the Blender art magazine. That should get you drooling.

http://blenderart.org/

I'll have to check it out, I may have to export the models to my other software to verify dimensions. I'm American so mm are stupid with their logic of being related to real world things and not the dimensions of some kings foot. As long as it's better able to handle more complicated models. My Mayan pendent took me a few days because my software was struggling.

Because Blender is unitless, you can pretend one Blender Unit = 1 inch as well. The Shapeways STL upload allows you to specify 1 unit = 1 mm, 1 meter, or 1 inch.


Blender seems quite speedy, and does a good job of conserving memory.

I'm starting the tutorial videos now. Man learning sucks even when you're getting paid to do it.

Can either of you tell me how I can import something from illustrator (arranged type) and extrude it? I suck at learning by reading random stuff... I just need to be nudged in the right direction...

Things seem sooo overly difficult in Blender...

Check out :-
http://www.rab3d.com/tutorial.html

There are a few tutorials on precision mechanical modelling.
Once you figure out how to use the 3d cursor, it is very useful.
You can snap the 3d cursor to one vertice/object and then scale/rotate/etc another set of vertices/faces/objects.
When doing mechanical models my most used key combination is Shift-S to snap the 3d cursor.
Also learn how to use the 'Spin' button.

Regards,
Ian.

Nah, once you know its a breeze.

To import from illustrator, you use Import --> Path

this import supports several different file formats, so export from Illustrator accordingly.

Once you have it in Blender, if it is just an outline, then you will need to fill in the void. You can use {Shift+F} to add faces (A surface) to the outline.

Then, to extrude Blender uses {E} on your keyboard to accomplish extrusions.

Give that a go and let me know.