3D Printing From Carrara
Stuie
Posts: 58
I'm trying to develop a piece of equipment I can use for work. I've modeled it in Carrara, but would like to know how to get it exported into an STL file for the printer. Any suggestions?
Stuie
Comments
Wow, I guess I should investigate things a little better before I post. All I needed to do was to export the file into an OBJ, then went online to convert into an STL file. In case anyone might be interested the link for the conversion is this;
http://www.greentoken.de/onlineconv/
Stuie
Netfabb Basic (Windows and Mac versions) is free and can export STL format. You could export OBJ or VRML files from Carrara into Netfabb.
Its possible to create files from Carrara or other 3D modeling apps that won't print and require some repair. Netfabb Basic can repair many common problems.
If you need it very accurate you could design it with OpenSCAD
Yes, a solid modeling application can be an advantage for making "watertight" models for printing. I use SolidWorks but I find I still have to repair some STL files that SolidWorks exports, because of small inaccuracies in the nurbs to triangles conversion.
Thanks all for your replies. I think I'll check out OpenSCAD to see how it works out.
Stuie
I think you will want an application like FreeCAD http://www.freecadweb.org/ where you can build the models visually.
OpenSCAD is a programming tool (no GUI).
FreeCAD is rock solid for importing and exporting STEP files, the highest quality 3D models between pro CAD apps.
Will try the STL export now with something big from Carrara...
EDIT. Loaded a 300MB OBJ file and exported a 200MB STL files that seems OK.
Impressive for a free app.
BTW: Hexagon also produces STL fIles.