EDITING AN STL FILE

[Steveandbelinda]

I downloaded a file for a Garmin Zumo 660 Sun Shield off of Thingiverse, and printed it out for the motorcycle. Only thing is, that I want to edit this file to make a longer shield sticking out to block more sun. Every aspect of the design is great, but would like to extend or extrude that area. How can this be done in FreeCad? I have Fusion 360,but can't figure out how to do it there either.

[microelly2]

Hello Steveandbelinda and welcome to the forum.

stl is a mesh format.
after import into FreeCAD you have to convert the mesh into a Part object.
This is possible in the Part workbench.
You find there a method "convert mesh ..."

[NormandC]

Hello Steveandbelinda,

Welcome to the forum.

This is a help request, therefore a moderator should move this topic from the Open discussion forum to the Help on using FreeCAD forum.

There is a tutorial explaining how to convert an STL mesh to a solid here: Import from STL or OBJ#Conversion mesh to solid

As for editing the model, it would be best if you could post a link to the object on Thingiverse, and describe what part of it you want to extend.

Is it this one? https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:809682

[kkremitzki]

Hello Steveandbelinda,

Welcome to the forum.

This is a help request, therefore a moderator should move this topic from the Open discussion forum to the Help on using FreeCAD forum.

Thanks, moved.

[Steveandbelinda]

Yea, not making much sense. So many buttons. I open new, then import, then start, then there is mesh design, part, etc. So at this point when I open start dropdown I am lost.

[NormandC]

FreeCAD is a complex program. Without some basic knowledge of its user interface, I'm afraid you won't be able to do a quick edit of your file. You first need to familiarize yourself with FreeCAD's user interface.

Maybe it would be best to read at least this page: https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/Manual: ... _Interface

Did you read my previous reply, and my question?

[NormandC]

These steps will at least convert your STL file to a solid you can work on.

1. Open FreeCAD
2. Click File --> Open and locate your STL file. No need to create a new document first then import. This will open the STL in a new document.
3. Go to the View --> Workbench --> Part menu. This does the same thing as using the workbench switcher.
4. Follow the tutorial I already linked: Conversion mesh to solid
   The "tree view" mentioned is located to the left of FreeCAD's window, under the Model tab.

Next I need you to answer my question above.

[Steveandbelinda]

NormandC: yes that is the file on Thingivere.com that you stated.

[Steveandbelinda]

Thank you, I will give it a shot.

[NormandC]

I'll try to follow up with showing how to edit the STL file in a few hours, unless someone else beats me to it.