FreeCAD and Mesh Import
Operations after 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:
- Switch to the Part workbench
- Select the mesh, and go to the Part menu --> Create shape from mesh
- Click OK to the dialog
- Select the newly created shape
- Go to Part --> Convert to solid
- Select the newly created solid
- Go to Part --> Refine shape
The last step is not necessary, but it will clean the solid of most of its residual edges on planar and cylindrical surfaces.
I get the error message "cannot convert because shape is not a shell" ! What now ?
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.
Which programs can I use for examining/repairing of my mesh model ?
- 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