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Cycleman
(@cycleman)
Trusted Member
Scale option?!

Hello guys

i have macOS with the prusa slicer. I use to make some changes there before print. 

I know how to change scale ...but I don’t how to choose a part of them in order to change the dimensions of it. For a example a boat with a mast. I want to choose only the mast to make it bigger or smaller.

any ideas?!

Best Answer by Neophyl:

@cycleman

I use Blender as its totally free and once you get past the admittedly steep learning curve it can do practically anything.  No ipad version as yet though so desktop it is.  The good thing though is that there are literally hundreds of youtube tutorials on any aspect of using Blender.

Once you get into how models are constructed though you will soon realise just how bad so many of the models on thingiverse actually are.  Especially when you try and start manipulating and fixing mesh errors.

Posted : 29/03/2021 5:10 pm
Michaël Fortin
(@michael-fortin)
Estimable Member
RE: Scale option?!

This isn't the kind of thing you can do in a slicer unless your model is composed of multiple parts (multiple STL files) which you assemble within the slicer.

Each STL you import in PrusaSlicer is a single entity that you can scale, rotate, etc. as a whole, but you cannot really edit it like you'd want to deform it further. You'd need to import the model in a 3D modeling tool like MeshMixer or Blender, edit the model there (which can sometimes be a bit tricky), then export a new STL and load that into PrusaSlicer for printing.

Posted : 29/03/2021 5:34 pm
Cycleman liked
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Scale option?!

Unless the mast is a separate part you can’t. What you want to do should be done in some cad software and not a slicer. 

Posted : 29/03/2021 6:07 pm
Cycleman liked
Cycleman
(@cycleman)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Scale option?!

So for macOS which tool you suggest for that is cheap. Also I am trying to find something for my iPad pro

 

thanx

Posted : 29/03/2021 7:14 pm
Michaël Fortin
(@michael-fortin)
Estimable Member
RE: Scale option?!

Both MeshMixer and Blender are free and work on macOS.

MeshMixer is easier to pick up but it's not a full 3D modelling tool, to my knowledge. It's more for small tweaks, but I think it would do what you want.

Blender is very complex (but also very powerful). You should be able to modify your model relatively easily by following a few tutorials, though.

I don't know about modeling tools for iPad, but I'd tend to do that kind of work on a computer rather than a tablet.

---

Edit: Oh and obviously if you have the source model (say, a Fusion 360, FreeCAD or Blender file), it's much better to edit the source in that software rather than trying to modify the output STL mesh.

Posted : 29/03/2021 7:18 pm
Cycleman
(@cycleman)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Scale option?!

I have the Apple Pencil and it seems easier to my eye.

Posted : 29/03/2021 8:15 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Scale option?!

Unfortunately the design software on the ipad is limited.  Which is a pity as its a prime candidate given its specifications.  Having one myself I would love it too.

The only even mildly usable cad software is a paid subscription service.  Shapr3d.  Even the hobby subscription is $149 a year.  I don't pay for software as a service though so that option isn't for me.  It may meet your needs though.

If you want sculpting software though the range is a bit better.  I don't sculpt though either so you will have do your own research on that.  To get you started https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/3d-printing-software/3d-modeling-app/   

Posted : 29/03/2021 8:35 pm
Cycleman
(@cycleman)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Scale option?!

I am usually looking for complete files in thingiverse etc. So ....

so do I. I don’t  like subscription option. So much money for nothing.

hope I will find a way for scale a part of objects 

Posted : 30/03/2021 6:59 am
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Scale option?!

@cycleman

I use Blender as its totally free and once you get past the admittedly steep learning curve it can do practically anything.  No ipad version as yet though so desktop it is.  The good thing though is that there are literally hundreds of youtube tutorials on any aspect of using Blender.

Once you get into how models are constructed though you will soon realise just how bad so many of the models on thingiverse actually are.  Especially when you try and start manipulating and fixing mesh errors.

Posted : 30/03/2021 7:48 am
Cycleman
(@cycleman)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Scale option?!

I will try then. Thanx for the answers guys.

Posted : 30/03/2021 12:50 pm
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