Re: Converting STL file to 3D solid
To make mods for some of the 3D printing I do, I use Fusion 360.
The steps are as follows:
1. From the Insert Menu, Insert Mesh
2. If the orientation is satisfactory, Click 'OK'
3. At this point, I usually save the drawing before proceeding futher.
4. Right Click on "The file name in the info area"
5. In the dropdown menu, click on "Do Not Capture Design History".
This will bring up a warning box. Click on 'Continue' to make it go away.
6. Make sure you are in 'Model' Space and click on 'Modify'>'Mesh'> 'Mesh to BRep'
7. Click on the object you just imported and Click on 'OK'
You now have a solid model, but it shows all the stl facets. you can get rid of most if not all (depending on the model) by doing the following.
A. Switch to 'Patch' space
B. Click on 'Mod' menu >'Merge' and then select two adjacent "triangles" of the model and then 'OK'
Depending on the model, you may have to repeat a few times to get rid of the 'triangles' and in some cases you won't get them all but it should be better than origination.
Save your file again as usual and make the mods you want then to save the final as a .stl if you desire,
Right click on the model name and then click on 'Save as Stl' in the drop down menu.
HTH
Art
AKA Country Bubba (Older Than Dirt)