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CAD tip # 11387:

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How to edit large STL files in Fusion 360?

If you have a STL file with a 3D model e.g. for 3D printing and you need to perform a small or large correction of this model, you can use the CAD application Autodesk Fusion 360.

Start a new empty model (project) and invoke the command INSERT > Insert Mesh to import a STL or OBJ file.
In Options (the gear icon, bottom-right), choose "Do not capture design history".
Use the command MODIFY > Mesh > Mesh to BRep. This tool may report the error message: " This mesh contains a large number of facets. Conversion aborted." In such case, use the tool Decimate in Autodesk ReMake or Edit > Reduce (Shift+r) in Autodesk MeshMixer and simplify your model - decrease the number of surface facets - the maximum number is about 10-13 thousands faces. Then re-read the simplified model.
You can then edit the model converted to BRep using the Fusion 360 tools and then export the model back to STL.

You can also perform the simplification (reducing) of faces (triangles) directly in Fusion 360 - see this conversion of a complex mesh to an editable BPrep solid:

Fusion360

* CAD

12.4.2017 13489×

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Fusion 360

applies to: Fusion360 ·

See also:
Tip 12588:	Which CAD formats can be be translated in Fusion 360 even without the cloud, offline?
Tip 12184:	Overview of CAD formats supported in Inventor 2020 (import/export/AnyCAD).
Tip 12029:	How to print 3D characters designed in Autodesk Character Generator?
Tip 11972:	How to convert a Tinkercad 3D model to a DWG file?
Tip 11590:	How to replace a 3D mesh model with a grid structure?

Selected tip: Backward compatibility of the AutoCAD DWG formats.

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