| 3D Noob w/ a Wall Thickness Question [message #14350] Sun, 04 July 2010 10:49 UTC |
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Hi all,
I'm new to the world of 3D modelling and am trying to find my feet. (I'm also trying to find a 3D software that I like!)
My main problem at the moment is when I create extruded shapes from flat planes. Are those extruded shapes, by default, hollow? I'm planning to print in stainless steel and know I need a wall thickness of at least 3mm, but it appears that the extruded shapes' walls are only a sliver thick. How can I change this?
At the moment I'm flirting with 3DVIA, Blender, SketchUp, Alibre and Rhino. So anyone who knows how to do it in any of those programs, please help a girl out! 
Thank you!
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| Re: 3D Noob w/ a Wall Thickness Question [message #14353 is a reply to message #14350 ] Sun, 04 July 2010 13:12 UTC |
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With most programs, if you take a square and extrude it, you'll end up with a solid cube, which will then be expensive to print. Some of the programs then have a "shell" option that will subtract the interior from it to make a hollow cube.
With other programs, you would have to add a second cube, and then use ObjectSubtract to end up with the hollow cube.
The big "trick" with Shapeways is that you need a "hole" thru to the inner surface.. the unused powder inside must be able to drain out, or you'll be charged for the entire volume of powder.
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Personally, I've been using TrueSpace for years, and I love it. It's now it's a free download, but you want to see if you can find the older verson 7.6.0 instead of the new 7.6.1
About 6 months ago, a new (also free) program came out called OpenScad. For a programmer-type like me, it's a true wonder.
Patience, Persistance, Politeness - the 3Ps will help us get us to Perfect Printed Products
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