Fixing holes in an STL model  

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

What works for me:

Download 3D Builder (Microsoft app - free)

Import your STL.

Ask 3D Builder to fix it if errors found.

Save it.

Bad models seem to be a common thing on Thingiverse. Missing layers are the worst. 3D Builder has fixed every problem I have had.

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

I'm assuming when you say PrusaSlicer fixed them you are referring to the automatic repair.

There is another repair technique that has worked well for me with PrusaSlicer. Right click on the object and you will get a pop-up menu where one of the options is to "Fix through the Netfabb". Select that and wait for it to finish. If you wish to save the repaired object right click it again and select "Export as STL".

Take a look to see if Netfabb has fixed the problem and go from there.

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

@robert-rmm200

Thank you. I have downloaded it but don't see an option to fix a model.. Where do I find it?

And more specifically, if i have an STL file open, how can I fill a small hole in the side of the model? I haven't found a way to highlight just that small area and fill it somehow..

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

@jerry-v2

Thank you, yes, that has actually been done. But the two small holes remain. 🙁 Any suggestion how I can fill those? Imagine you have a statue and there's a small hole in its side. I need to find a way to infill it. I have downloaded 3d builder and meshmixer but honestly would need more specific instructions how to work those.. Appreciate any help you can provide!

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

Unfortunately, the holes are errors in the model. If you look at the comments on Thingiverse you see others complaining of the same issue. Also, carefully looking over the entire model in the Thingiview viewer one can see several other errors with funny geometry poking out of a couple of the arms/hands. (I also discovered another hole in one of the hands.)

Unless you are skilled at manually repairing meshes, you might just have to add your voice to the other comments requesting a repaired model from the original poster.

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

I've only had one model that the slicer could not repair and it was my own so was able to fix it CAD program.  Alas, I think sembazuru is right 😕 

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

In 3D Builder you import the STL file.

If it finds errors it will tell you.

Just click Fix and then Export. There will not be a Fix button if no error found.

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

I am very curious if 3D Builder will fix an stl that Netfabb cannot. Please post the outcome.

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

@sembazuru

Yeah, you are right. I think my original question was inaccurate - while there were some errors in the model, the main issue are some actual holes in the actual mesh, ie the mesh is poorly designed. Is there a relatively easy way (which software?) by which one would fix those? I.e. something i can do in a matter of an hour or two,  as opposed to twenty? 🙂

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

@jerry-v2

As i say in the post just above, it turns out that there are actual issues (holes) in the mesh. So that's something that Netfabb apparently won't pick up and would need to be infilled manually. I'm now hopeful someone here can point me to a resource how to edit the mesh itself so i can fill in those 2-3 superficial holes and make my 8-year-old happy. 🙂

RE: Fixing holes in an STL model

Just download some of the remixes others have done. Less than a few minutes to try them.

Barring that, MeshMixer is sometimes useful for editing STL's.  Or, just add a few planes or globes in P.Slicer that fill the problem spots.