Void vs solid part exported to STL

[AlexGubski]

Hi,

I have a following problem while designing for 3D printing. When I create object from simple extruded sketch (cylinder), export to STL and slice for 3D print it comes solid. When I create another element and use revolve around z axis to cut wide bevel from the same cylinder resulting object on slicer table comes empty inside. Please see attached images for both.

Any idea or suggestion how I can make solid object using this scenario?

Thank you


OS: Windows 10
Word size of OS: 64-bit
Word size of FreeCAD: 64-bit
Version: 0.16.6706 (Git)
Build type: Release
Branch: releases/FreeCAD-0-16
Hash: f86a4e411ff7848dea98d7242f43b7774bee8fa0
Python version: 2.7.8
Qt version: 4.8.7
Coin version: 4.0.0a
OCC version: 6.8.0.oce-0.17

[DeepSOIC]

Hi!
I recommend that you share your project, so that we can check what's wrong.
But my primary suspect would be that you used "Select All" (Ctrl+A) to select stuff before exporting STL, which is wrong. You need to select only the final object (probably, "Cut").

[AlexGubski]

I'm attaching the project file. I have tried suggested method to select just the last instance of the object before exporting. This also results in a void shape when loaded into slicer.

test_object.FCStd

(8.97 KiB) Downloaded 33 times

[NormandC]

I have no problem exporting a valid STL file by selecting the "Cut" object.

It opens as expected in Cura, Slic3r as well as in Meshlab.

FC_Meshlab_CutSTL_01.png (31.74 KiB) Viewed 2171 times

FC_Slic3r_CutSTL_01.png (84.88 KiB) Viewed 2171 times

[NormandC]

I'm now wondering if you're not talking about infill settings. A polygon mesh is typically empty, it is not solid. It's in the slicer settings that you define if it's going to be filled or not. Usually you'll set an infill pattern like rectilinear or hexagonal and will not fill it at 100% because it wastes plastic.

I had not been using Slic3r (or my 3D printer for that matter) for a long time. I just installed the latest version, and the default settings give me this:

Slic3r_CutSTL_02.png (123.16 KiB) Viewed 2171 times

I would say that if you do not get what you want, it's a Slic3r setting you have to change. It is irrelevant to FreeCAD.

[DeepSOIC]

I think, AlexGubski, you might have switched on Slic3r's option "Only infill where needed" (Print settings->infill->Reducing printing time). Switch it off.

[AlexGubski]

Thanks! It turned out to be the issue. I have turned off "Only infill where needed" and got solid. Interestingly it was selectively affecting this shape and not the cylinder.
Appreciate the suggestion!

[DrC]

Newbie to FreeCAD here.

I ave a similar problem but in a rectangular body so I can't rotate my way out of it.

I have not yet got to slicing and printing, I test my .stl exports with a program called STLViewer which has been a reliable indicator in the past on my exports from eMachineShop. It tells me my pockets are filled.

I can't find a preference or config setting in FreeCAD relating to void filling - am I just not seeing it?

Source and export files attached. Help much appreciated.

Thanks

DrC

OS: Windows XP
Word size of OS: 32-bit
Word size of FreeCAD: 32-bit
Version: 0.16.6704 (Git)
Build type: Release
Branch: releases/FreeCAD-0-16
Hash: 0c449d7e8f9b2b1fb93e3f8d1865e2f59d7ed253
Python version: 2.7.8
Qt version: 4.8.6
Coin version: 4.0.0a
OCC version: 6.8.0.oce-0.17

[DrC]

OK - sorry guys & gals. Late night issue.

I exported with "Select All". Should have read the whole thread (& probably the manusl)

"Box select" with mouse exported the finished model.

Retreating shamefaced!

[bejant]

"Box select" with mouse exported the finished model.

Or you can just select the finished thing (the newest "Feature") from the hierarchy tree.