FreeCAD_and_Mesh_Import.md

FreeCAD and Mesh Import

Post-Import

After import the model is (for FreeCAD), just an assembly of faces. You might want to convert the model into a shape FreeCAD can recognize and that could be altered in FreeCAD.

To do this:

1. Switch to the Part Workbench
2. Select the mesh, and go to the Part → Create shape from mesh or press the Part ShapeFromMesh button
3. Click OK in the dialog
4. Select the newly created shape
5. Go to Part → Convert to solid
6. Select the newly created solid
7. Go to Part → Refine shape or press the Part RefineShape button

Note: The last step is not necessary, but it will clean the solid of most of its residual edges on planar and cylindrical surfaces.

Errors

"cannot convert because shape is not a shell"

Well, your shell seems to have errors, maybe it is not closed (has holes). Since the capabilities of the mesh workbench in FreeCAD are a little limited at the moment, you might want to try examining and repairing of your model with third-party software. After doing that, you may try importing and converting of your model again.

Third Party Programs

• Meshlab
  • License: Open Source (GPL V2)
  • Runs on Windows 32/64 bit, Linux and Mac OS X
• netFabb basic
  • License: Freeware
  • Runs on Windows XP/7/8, Linux and Mac OS X

Tutorials

• Import from STL or OBJ
• Export to STL or OBJ

Related

• FreeCAD Howto Import Export

User_Documentation File_Formats

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documentation index > User_Documentation > FreeCAD and Mesh Import