[Solved] Object separation in Slicer  

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Hi Joan,

Thanks for taking the time to help ; I couldn't find the 'Fix Through the Netfab' option in options menu, is it because I am running the MacOs version? I have enclosed the stl file as requested.

Once again, many thanks for the support.

Best/Mike

Router_Holder.stl

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Joan,

I found my way to Netfabb and could upload the model and download a fixed version which appears perfectly.

Still if you could give me some hint so to design flawlessly in the 1st place, I would be thankful ;-))

Best/Mike

RE: Object separation in Slicer

@soapmaker

Hi  Mike, 
it Maybe a MacOS issue... 

As you can see, when I load the file, it is identified  as Faulty in the right hand window, so I open the menu, and  click Fix through the Netfabb
and the STL is repaired... 

I have attached the repaired file in the Zipfile below
Router_Holder netfab

RE: Object separation in Slicer

I guess my next move is try to have the netfabb option available for Mac users 😉

Thanks Joan, my MK3 is already warming up to get this project printed.

BEst/Mike 

RE: Object separation in Slicer

The right click option is only available to windows 10 users. Not even win 7. You have to use the online website version on the other operating systems. Or use some other software to fix them like Blender or freecad etc. Alternatively work out what your cad software is doing wrong on the design/export side of things so you can avoid the issues in future. 

I don’t use sketchup but common things to look for are non manifold areas, check any Boolean operations you may have used.  I’ll try and take a look at the vertices in Blender tomorrow to see if I can spot anything obvious. 

RE: Object separation in Slicer

@neophyl

Hi and thanks for picking it up, as you stated, I would really like to understand what went wrong on the design.

I am really not an expert in 3D and like Sketchup because I can just draw in 3D (I can tell I did not used any Booleans ;-).

Basically, I looked for holes which could be generated when connecting straight lines and curves (too bad I wanted the item to be practical and looking good 😉 but it looked OK...

Anyway, any advise mostly welcome !

Thanks for any feedback

RE: Object separation in Slicer

@soapmaker

Sorry Mike I don't use the same 3d design package as you. 

regards Joan

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Way back when SketchUp was owned by Google, I used it for my first 3D designs. Not a lot of options back then...

Yes it is easy to use and learn, but horrible at make printable 3D models - the models had too many errors and I went for another CAD system.
I would suggest learning one of the free alternatives, like: Fusion 360, FreeCAD, Blender or some of the web-based design tools for 3D design. It is hard to learn a new CAD program, but you will not regret it...

RE: Object separation in Slicer

I could fulfill most of my -simple- projects with Sketchup but one conclusion I can draw from you guys is that I should clearly look at a better 3D tool for 3D printing although this is not a surprise but I was indeed too lazy to start over.

That is on top of my 2021 list as -despite add ons- i have already hit my head to certain issues with Sketchup (like creating screw thread)

Anyway, thanks for the tips, great to rely on such community, I hope I can give back soon 😉

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Took a look at the stl file in Blender using its 3dprint tool.  It reports 106 Non Manifold edges which will be the main thing causing the slice problems.  They look like they are around the missing areas too which makes sense.

There are also 2 Bad contiguous edges and 71 intersecting faces.  Although they don't generally cause Slicer an issue in my experience.

Basically the orange edges shown.  Click on the image for the full size version.

RE: Object separation in Slicer

@neophyl

Hi Neophyl, 

Thanks for coming back on that one, I will see how to fix it just to understand and avoid further issues.

Blender just got one step ahead as possible 3D tool for me 😉

Have a good day / Mike

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Depending on your 3D design needs, I would recommend programs like FreeCAD and Fusion 360 for designing mechanical and technical parts and Blender for more organic style models. All three options are top class tools that can be used for simple to very complex models.

There are other more beginner friendly options, but I lack the experience with them.

Here is a list of the top free software for 3D modeling for printing.

RE: Object separation in Slicer

I just use Blender for everything, I don't really do organic things unless you count helmets, which I guess have curves,  mostly my stuff are hand held parts that all fit together and contain electronics etc.

RE: Object separation in Slicer

I keep seeing reference to fusion 360 as free for non commercial use but I only see a 12 month option. Am I missing something?

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Posted by: @john-13

I keep seeing reference to fusion 360 as free for non commercial use but I only see a 12 month option. Am I missing something?

You just have to renew each year. All your stuff is carried forward each time you renew. I was expecting some big changes when they changed the free tier recently, but everything seems the same. I'm now in year 3.

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Posted by: @bobstro

Posted by: @john-13

I keep seeing reference to fusion 360 as free for non commercial use but I only see a 12 month option. Am I missing something?

You just have to renew each year. All your stuff is carried forward each time you renew. I was expecting some big changes when they changed the free tier recently, but everything seems the same. I'm now in year 3.

Thanks Bobstro. From your comment it implies it is a cloud solution, would this be correct? Or is ownership vested in the creator?

RE: Object separation in Slicer

Fusion is running on your local Windows PC, but connects to the cloud. A login is needed and designs are default saved in the cloud (not in public) .
It is possible to save/export designs to local filesystem in form of Fusion360, STL, STEP and some other formats.
The free license plan is for one year at a time with some limitations - terms can be changed and they did some months ago. Still it is a top professional environment and very user friendly.