3D Printing Stack Exchange
3D Printing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [cad]

For questions primarily related to Computer-Aided Design (CAD). If your question is about using particular software, you should also use the corresponding tag for that software (if one exists) – such as [openscad], [freecad], [tinkercad], or [grabcad-print] – in addition to this tag.

For questions primarily related to Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

If your question is about using particular software, you should also use the corresponding tag for that software (if one exists) – such as , , , or – in addition to this tag.

49 questions
15
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6 answers

Choose infill percentage

Since I'm running a 3D printing facility of an engineering school, students are always wondering how much infill percentage affects the stiffness of the part. I know that it is impossible to get a numerical solution for this question, but maybe…
Anton Osadchy
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10
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1 answer

How to add "skin" to a Voronoi shape?

Suppose I'm given a shape with a Voronoi pattern, such as this lamp. I'd like to be able to add a "skin" which covers the complete shape on the inner surface so I could print it with translucent material to produce a more-or-less uniform glow. …
Carl Witthoft
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7
votes
1 answer

Can the `render` function be used to speed up rendering?

I am designing a moderately complicated piece in OpenScad. It renders fast enough in preview mode (1s). But when i do a full render so I can export to STL, it takes ages (In the 10s of minutes) I have read that sometimes the function render is…
Frames Catherine White
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7
votes
4 answers

Can a 3D model of a copyrighted work be rendered legally without infringement?

I know this is still gray territory and it is asked so many times within the 3D printing and maker community but I'm curious about the limits of 3D models and were it touches on Free Use and infringement. I'm not trying to push the envelope, I just…
Rincewind
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6
votes
6 answers

STL to STP CAD Conversion

Does anyone know of a good way to convert a 3D print file, like STL, to STEP - a useable file format for plastic injection molding companies? I have tried to convert the files through a couple of programs without success. The most requested file…
John Paul Schreiner
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6
votes
3 answers

FEA in 3d printed solids

I would like to get a pretty accurate method to do finite element analysis (FEA) on my 3d designs considering the infill. I use Autodesk Inventor to design parts but the FEA can only be applied to a solid body (100% infill). Does anyone know…
Juan Pablo Rodas Martínez
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5
votes
3 answers

What is the point of diminishing returns on the STL refinement level in Fusion 360 on an Ender 3?

When exporting an STL from Fusion 360, one must select an STL refinement level to use for calculating the maximum triangle count. For FDM printing (0.05mm and above layer heights), where is the point of diminishing returns on STL refinement level…
ifconfig
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5
votes
1 answer

How do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files?

Please, how do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files ? I have over 3000 STL files, and I want to know their respective volumes and surfaces. I will use this data to be able to identify the biggest part, the one with the…
42Z0GqNNz
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5
votes
2 answers

What is the difference between STL and OBJ files and which one should I use?

One of the CAD programs I use is called TinkerCAD, which lets you export your design in either STL or OBJ form. What is the difference between these two file types? And which one is better to use?
Elijah Mock
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5
votes
3 answers

In Fusion 360 how do I select an entire 3D object, not just its sides or faces?

I'd like to mirror a triangular prism I made. However, whenever I select it I am only able to select the faces or sides. Is there a way to select the whole 3D object to move or mirror it?
MeltingDog
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5
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2 answers

Mesh/Geometry quality

tried searching but couldn't find anything. I do not have a 3d printer so can't really experiment on my own, which means that when I am going to order a 3d print I want to get it as good as possible. So, my question: Do quality of geometry matters…
Mariusz Kubiński
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5
votes
2 answers

Resources/methods to construct STL files using disparate parts using OpenSCAD

What resources or methods would OpenSCAD users suggest to piece together disparate STL files? I'd like to take an existing STL model-library of STL parts (head, torso, arms, legs) and make it a Thingiverse OpenSTL maker, similar to the castle…
William M-B
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5
votes
2 answers

Is there an example of tight coupling between CAD and sliced models?

I am on the hunt for CAD packages which can perform some level of slicing as an inherent model feature, instead of either exporting to STL and then importing into the slicer (a la OnShape) or directly opening the slicer from within the software (a…
Kenn Sebesta
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5
votes
1 answer

In FreeCAD, how do you copy a sketch from one plane to another?

I'm using FreeCAD, and I would like to duplicate a 2D sketch on another plane, but I can't seem to find an obvious way to do this.
barrymac
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4
votes
4 answers

How can I have a large 3D printed object?

I have a concept that's roughly 18"x30" (about 457x762 mm), and I just realized that the Makerbot and similar printers only allow dimensions around the size of a piece of paper. What are other options? Are there large 3D printers I just don't know…
SnowboardBruin
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