Print Page | Close Window

Working with .stl files

Printed From: CAD Forum
Category: EN
Forum Name: CAD - general
Forum Description: General discussion about CAD, formats, standards, management, licensing, networking, harware, other CAD applications
URL: https://www.cadforum.cz/forum_en/forum_posts.asp?TID=7999
Printed Date: 30.Sep.2026 at 20:08


Topic: Working with .stl files
Posted By: Moobs_Otoole
Subject: Working with .stl files
Date Posted: 19.Jun.2012 at 10:32
I am working on a project where I need to combine two scans together. I welded two pieces of metal together and then broke it. I then scanned the two broken pieces and now I'm trying to put the two scans together to create a water tight model of the weld edge. I plan on running tests on it in Abaqus. The current file format is .stl.


Replies:
Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 19.Jun.2012 at 11:41
And your question is.........?

We aren't mind readers.


-------------
"Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance."

<<AutoCAD 2015>>

Posted By: Moobs_Otoole
Date Posted: 19.Jun.2012 at 12:47
Sorry, I'm wondering if there is a way to put the two scans of the weld edges together.

I want to recombine the two scans to create a watertight model.

I am wondering
1. if this is even possible
2. If it is possible how would you do it/ what programs would you use

Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 19.Jun.2012 at 12:50
You want to combine two separate STL files?

Sounds like you would need a program with a "shell stitch" or "weld" feature.  Forget using plain AutoCAD.  What other programs do you have access to?

Take a look at 3ds Max.  It has a STL Import feature with a weld vertices function.


-------------
"Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance."

<<AutoCAD 2015>>

Posted By: Moobs_Otoole
Date Posted: 19.Jun.2012 at 13:40
Alright thanks I'll take a look at that.

Yes I am trying to combine two STL files. Sorry it is kind of hard to explain.

I can access almost any program so that isn't really an issue.

The problems that I have been having so far  are
1. It is a very intricate scan with over 100,000 vertices
2. finding a format that will keep the detail of the scan but allow me to work with it easily.
3. Since the weld was broken the geometry changed so the weld edges don't line up perfectly so I will have to find some program that would create something to join the edges together.

I've been working on it for a bit now and I'm stuck so I thought I would ask the internet. I'm sort of starting to think that it might be impossible unless I seriously change the geometry of the weld. 


Print Page | Close Window