I need to import stl files from Printables for modification using MOI 3d. I do the conversion using FreeCad. The stp file exported from FreeCad and then imported into MOI 3d are MOI surfaces (and edges??) only.. These are then hard to incorporate into solid items because they look like a mesh with triangles (edges) that are far too dense to work with.
Any other MOI to Prusa printers out there??

ACP

Hi ACP, yes that's not going to work well and isn't recommended.

STL files contain only faceted triangle mesh data, not CAD data. The STL format was created as a method of dumping geometry to be processed into slices by the 3D printer, not for transferring model data between CAD programs like you're trying to do.

That's why MoI doesn't directly support importing STL files, the data that's contained in them is just not suitable for loading into MoI.

- Michael

Wow, thanks for that info.. I live in a really remote town in northern Kenya and have an old slow PC and a mediocre (speed wise) connection to the internet, sooo.. I'm trying to adapt a mechanical counter I found in Printables to use it to count turns on a spool for measuring of a borehole.. Is there any way to download the item in Printables in another format?? Would I have more luck using Fusion 360?? I've been really happy with MOI and downloaded STP files from McMaster Carr..

Hi ACP,

re:
> Is there any way to download the item in Printables in another format??

It looks like there is for some parts.

I found some info at:
https://help.prusa3d.com/article/printable-parts-for-original-prusa_1824



The ones in OpenSCAD format won't work either though, that format contains the model in the form of a type of scripting code and the end result is also faceted mesh data as well.


> Would I have more luck using Fusion 360??

Probably not.


> I've been really happy with MOI and downloaded STP files from McMaster Carr..

Yes the STP files at McMaster-Carr have real CAD data in them, not faceted mesh data.

- Michael

There is actually a way to do this in FreeCAD. Tried it with a simple model to see if this works,
see screenshots.

After opening the converted model in Moi, it shows up as a solid and is editable.
Here is a link to a youtube video that explains the process. Not sure which results you
get with more complex geometry.

FreeCAD Useful Tips and Awesome Tricks with @WayofWood! |JOKO ENGINEERING
https://youtu.be/0zxjOB2Cao8

It's the second tip. Hope this works for you. I don't think you can avoid the meshlook
on rounded/curved surfaces.

What I sometimes do:

- Convert .stl to .obj using Blender
- Use the "Obj23dmWireframe converter" from the Resources page
- Import the resulting 3dm file
- Adjust the scale using a known reference length along the object
- Lock the object
- Recreate the object by snapping to the points of the imported mesh