SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Adding text to models?

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-30T05:15:42Z

recessed may need to be wide enough to not fill in when layers smush like with some materials or settings. I had this issue b4 with Red ABS on small recessed text on a custom print for a 3Dhub job

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-30T01:41:33Z

As n2ri said, you may want to try 123D Design.

It has a text tool as well as being able to import .stl files. I tested it on a simple flat surface of a .stl file and I could add raised & recessed text by using merge & subtract, respectfully. You can even fill in recessed text if it's a flat surface, by merging a solid with the top surface flush to the .stl model.

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-30T00:23:01Z

I've never used it, but there is a text library for openscad, and you could import an STL model and modify it to add or subtract text.

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-29T22:52:28Z

123Design also

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-29T22:04:01Z

I created a little tutorial on how to use negative volume objects to intersect and cut positive volume objects. This should help you add text to any object you want.

http://www.soliforum.com/post/76880/#p76880

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-29T18:54:17Z

YOu can do extrude text in Sketchup, however, you would need to have your model in Sketchup native format. You can't simply import a STL into a program and modify it easily.

You can however try these 2 approaches:

1. Raised Text
In sketchUp, do they text you want and extrude it. When done, export it to STL. Import the STL model you want to add the text to in Repetier, then import the text STL as well.

Using the Rotate, Translate and scale function under the Object Placement tab, align your parts as needed, then you can save the mix as a single STL object.

2. Carved out text
Create your text in Sketchup as before. Load the STL into netfabb, then click repair. Using the shell selector tool, select all the parts, then click the "flip selected triangles" button. This will effectively create a negative volume object.

Follow the instructions above to align the text and the object in Repetier, but this time make sure the text object intersects the body of your object.

When you slice this, the text, which has negative volume, will create a hole in your main object.

I'll try to post a quick example later.

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-28T22:30:31Z

Cubify Design is $200.
http://cubify.com/en/Compare/Software

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-28T22:00:51Z

Different from Qubism I'd guess? It is free?

Re: Adding text to models?

2014-12-28T20:54:11Z

I use Cubify Design to design my prints and it has a text feature built in.

Adding text to models?

2014-12-28T20:09:11Z

Are there any good free modeling programs for adding text to .stl models? Either extruded out or carved in? Also maybe a good way to fill in preexisting text to make the surface level again?