1 Topic by Tony Holmes

  • Tony Holmes
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: NJ USA
  • Registered: 2013-06-23
  • Posts: 50

Topic: A newb question on stl files ¿

Hello all,

I'm recently retired and need something to occupy my time,so I guess this is it smile

Since I received my SD2 pro last week I've dealt with disabling driver signing on my win8 x64 machine,installed Repetier and updated it to V .90B.

I have yet to make my first attempt at printing anything,I've been busy for the past week reading and re-reading on how to use Repetier and pretty much have it committed to memory.

My question concerns most all "Thingiverse" files.I can't post links just yet so I hope I can communicate what I'm talking about.

If I click on "download this thing",a box pops up giving me two choices.It's either *Download all Files*(2mb zip) or *Owl_Facing_Left_fixed_sc.stl*(16 mb).

Which one do I want to download and why ¿ File size does not concern me.

I'm computer literate and very much tech oriented in my former job,I just need stuff that I don't understand explained to me once so I can grasp it.

Thx,Tony

*never feed your cat anything that doesn't match the carpet color*

2 Reply by supraflyer

  • supraflyer
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2012-09-02
  • Posts: 86

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

Hi
I downloaded ReplicatorG and use that to orient the .stl files. I resave the file with a R after the name and then I load it into Netfabb studio (the free version). I use their repair file to insure that the file is waterproof( no holes or other difficult to convert problems) I resave the file (it automatically gets the word repaired added to the file name). Then  I open RepetierHost.
I click on the slicer tab and then I click on the configure button in the top right corner.
The slicer printer settings are available there. I use the add button to load my repaired file to RH, Then I click the Gcode export button and wait the minute or so it takes to convert the file to Gcode.
I close the slicer window and click on the Load button in the top left corner of the RH window. I browse for my gcode file and click on it. It loads into RH and then I check the Gcode using the gcode editor window in RH. I set the show to single layer range and review the initial, final and some of the more difficult features I am trying to print.
When all heated up I extrude an inch of filament and let her rip.
I have had mostly good luck with this method.

3 Reply by 2n2r5

  • 2n2r5
  • 2n2r5
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2013-05-09
  • Posts: 1,208

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

Tony Holmes wrote:

If I click on "download this thing",a box pops up giving me two choices.It's either *Download all Files*(2mb zip) or *Owl_Facing_Left_fixed_sc.stl*(16 mb).

Which one do I want to download and why ¿ File size does not concern me.

Some items on thingiverse have multiple components which are in seperate .STL files. Thingiverse included the download all link to bundle all the files in one compressed .ZIP folder for ease of download. Alternatively, you can download each item separately and achieve the same results. This is useful for when there is only one .STL file for that item.

I hope that helps.

Tony Homes wrote:

*never feed your cat anything that doesn't match the carpet color*

Noted!

SD3 w/ mods:
Glass bed with QU-BD heat pad upgrade, threadless ballscrew w/ 8mm smooth rod, spectra line belt replacement, lawsy MK5 extruder, Lawsy replacement carriage, E3D hotend, Ramps 1.4 w/ reprap discount controller, DRV8825 drivers, 12v 30A PS, Acrylic case, Overkill Y-idlers, Filament alarm, Extruder fan + more.

2n2r5's Website

4 Reply by Tony Holmes

  • Tony Holmes
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: NJ USA
  • Registered: 2013-06-23
  • Posts: 50

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

supraflyer wrote:

Hi
I downloaded ReplicatorG and use that to orient the .stl files. I resave the file with a R after the name and then I load it into Netfabb studio (the free version). I use their repair file to insure that the file is waterproof( no holes or other difficult to convert problems) I resave the file (it automatically gets the word repaired added to the file name). Then  I open RepetierHost.
I click on the slicer tab and then I click on the configure button in the top right corner.
The slicer printer settings are available there. I use the add button to load my repaired file to RH, Then I click the Gcode export button and wait the minute or so it takes to convert the file to Gcode.
I close the slicer window and click on the Load button in the top left corner of the RH window. I browse for my gcode file and click on it. It loads into RH and then I check the Gcode using the gcode editor window in RH. I set the show to single layer range and review the initial, final and some of the more difficult features I am trying to print.
When all heated up I extrude an inch of filament and let her rip.
I have had mostly good luck with this method.

Thanks for the tipsSupraflyer,they'll come in handy.I've been reading up on Netfabb and I'll probably use it in the future.

I occaisionally worked on Supras at my former job.That straight 6 six was a solid engine but prone to blowing head gaskets on #6 cyl,due in part to it being the furthest from the water pump(surprise).

It was very easy to diagnose with the right tools but doing the repair really sucked but it's not my problem any more...lol. big_smile

5 Reply by Tony Holmes

  • Tony Holmes
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: NJ USA
  • Registered: 2013-06-23
  • Posts: 50

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

2n2r5 wrote:
Tony Holmes wrote:

If I click on "download this thing",a box pops up giving me two choices.It's either *Download all Files*(2mb zip) or *Owl_Facing_Left_fixed_sc.stl*(16 mb).

Which one do I want to download and why ¿ File size does not concern me.

Some items on thingiverse have multiple components which are in seperate .STL files. Thingiverse included the download all link to bundle all the files in one compressed .ZIP folder for ease of download. Alternatively, you can download each item separately and achieve the same results. This is useful for when there is only one .STL file for that item.

I hope that helps.

Tony Homes wrote:

*never feed your cat anything that doesn't match the carpet color*

Noted!

Thanks 2n2r5,that makes sense if you're dealing with a multiple piece item.

I have seen the exact same choices on items that appear to be single piece also.I would suppose that "all files" in such a case would probably include his G-code,etc.

6 Reply by Leghk

  • Leghk
  • Leghk
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-02-18
  • Posts: 172

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

Tony Holmes wrote:

...

Thanks 2n2r5,that makes sense if you're dealing with a multiple piece item.

I have seen the exact same choices on items that appear to be single piece also.I would suppose that "all files" in such a case would probably include his G-code,etc.

It always offers the zip file version even when there's only one file. It can still be useful for very detailed models, to have the ZIP compression applied.

Don: Folger Tech 2020 Kossel Rev A + Borosilicate + Snow Effector
        Davinci 1.0 + Repetier : Filastruder
        SD3 + RAMPS + Lawsy Carriages + E3D + Borosilicate + ... : Cupcake

7 Reply by FatalDischarge

  • FatalDischarge
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Arvada, CO
  • Registered: 2012-12-30
  • Posts: 129

Re: A newb question on stl files ¿

Use the Netfabb Cloud service. http://cloud.netfabb.com/ Quick and easy, no experience needed.