Originally shared by Mark “MARKSE” Emery
Anyone aware of an “STL object slitter”? Something that can take an STL file that contains multiple objects and break them out into separate files based on the faces that define each object? syvwlch posted a OpenSCAD worm drive script, I can’t get it to work despite adding the library file it needed. I’m left with sizing his STL example down to my needs. I’ll print as fine as I can go but suspect separating the pieces will be very tricky.
Probably won’t help in this case unless you’re really patient, but I’ve had some luck importing stl files into openscad, differencing with cubes and stuff to remove the stuff I didn’t want, and then re-exporting. Yes, I know it’s stupid and wrong and inelegant, but sometimes it works.
There is a function in Cura to separate the parts
Netfab basic might do it. Otherwise I know rhino can.
Repetier has a split file function.
Cura will let you split loaded compound objects from the right-click menu. (Right-click the object.) I’ve only used it on obviously separate objects (like a box and lid side-by-side, or the Maker Nut and Bolt), but if Cura sees this as a compound object it will split it into the components.
@Mark_MARKSE_Emery , I’ve taken the time to modify things so you shouldn’t have problems with the generation: here’s the generator with all the library functions inlined - should work if you’re having issues getting the libraries sorted out: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByxvvRr2A-puVlVRUDFqa21EUlE/view?usp=sharing
Blender can do it.
MeshLab will do it - if the pieces are truly separate.
Thanks @ThantiK , which version of OpenSCAD are you running? I’ve got 2014.03 and the script throws loads of errors:
CGAL error in CGAL_Nef_polyhedron’s union operator: CGAL ERROR: assertion violation!
Expr: G.mark(v1,0)==G.mark(v2,0)&& G.mark(v1,1)==G.mark(v2,1)
File: /home/don/openscad_deps/mxe-w64/usr/x86_64-w64-mingw32/include/CGAL/Nef_S2/SM_overlayer.h
Line: 285
I end up with the gear but no worm drive.
Thanks everyone, I’ll give Cura a go first.
Cura did a perfect job! Another great tool to have at hand. Thanks again!
Where is it from, and the more important point, what is it for?
Slic3r can also do this. Split the object and export as stl as you like.
@Mark_MARKSE_Emery that looks like it’s not so much the libraries but a CGAL compilation error. I’m running 2013.01.02 version of OpenSCAD
In Meshlab, use Filters->Split in Connected Components
Each “connected component” which is not connected to any others will become its own layer, which can be exported to STL independently.
Meshmixer (free). You have to open the object browser window within it. Then you will want to use the separate shells (or something like that) tool. You can then select which shells to keep or show and which ones to delete or hide. Save the appropriate shells out as new STLs.
Netfabb’s command for this (Edit>Shells to Parts) is only available in the Pro version.
Blender could do it.
+1 for Cura to do it.
