Hi Michael,

Thank you for the detailled explanation.

I was now able to select the inner piece and perform the boolean difference.
Unfortunately the result of my first try was not a 'clean' Shell.

But the result of my second try (with the original Solid) was a 'clean' Shell, after:
1. Separating the Solid obtaining 10 Surfaces
2. Joining the 3 Surfaces obtaining Surface A
3. Joining the other 7 Surfaces obtaining Surface B
4. Joining the Surfaces A an B obtaing a/the Solid
5. Offsetting (as you suggested)
6. Boolean Differencing (as you suggested)

Thank you very much again
Jurgen

a little image of the result will be cool :)

Hi Michael,

I completely agree with you.

My original solid was built the way you suggest, using Boolian operations to cut this solid out of a cube.

Only after running into problems with Shell and/or Fillet I was 'crying' for help.

But now my problem has been solved by following your explanations/suggestions: I was able to produce a 'clean' shell.

Thanks & regards
Jurgen

p.s. your 'realtime' replies are 'breathtaking'.
The next time I will probably get an answer before I hit "Post" ;-)
Thank you again for the excellent support you provide!!

Hi Jurgen, you're welcome, and I'm glad you have a solution now!

- Michael

Hi Pilou,

Please find attached the picture of the object discussed (rouge) and a picture of another object (white).
The white object is a 3D-printed Shell.
3D-printing Shells instead of solids saves material/money.

I am currently in Cannes.
If you are interested we could meet and exchange ideas/experiences.

regards/Jurgen

cool sculpture :)
Cannes movie festival is alas closed ;)

Hi Jurgen,

Have you done any work with modeling in support structure, like ribs, so you can produce large pieces?

Chris

Hi Chris,

The short answer is: no, I have not yet.

The longer answer/explanation is:
I send my STL-files to Shapeways (http://www.shapeways.com) for 3D-printing in PA 2200 (see http://www.shapeways.com/materials/white_strong_flexible).
The maximum size is 70x58x38 cm.
But I have not produced large pieces, as even at $1.50/cm3 it's getting expensive quickly...
For large pieces (up to 1m3) I use currently a hotwire EPS cutting machine.
But I am now trying to design a re-usable mould with MOI to be printed in PA2200, with which I would then like to produce multiple copies of an object.
For this mould I will probably have to build a support structure...

I hope this info is of some use to you
regards/Jurgen

Jurgen,

I can imagine ways that rods, dowels or tubing could be used for large pieces. It would be useful to know if there is a reliable method to model in a support structure (using the printing material itself) that is cost effective.

You must have created some holes in your shape so the unused material could be emptied?

Chris