S3D won't generate supports for this model

[RoboDLC]

Hi guys,

I have tried to print this model from Thingiverse and S3D refuses to generate any supports for it. It clearly needs them. Whether I choose Normal or Contact with base, no supports are created. Why is that? Others appear to have printed it, and it has been there a few years with discussion.

Can you look at this thing:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4096

And tell me what is wrong?

thanks,
DLC

[MasterFX]

As far as I see the model is not designed as solid part but as a surface.
You can already see it in the preview:

[MasterFX]

I just try to repair the model. Seems to work now with S3D.
S3D is very strict if it comes to STL files. Sometimes it is good, sometimes not.
Please try my fixed model

DragonComplete_fixed.stl

(2.19 MiB) Downloaded 219 times

[RoboDLC]

I just try to repair the model. Seems to work now with S3D.
S3D is very strict if it comes to STL files. Sometimes it is good, sometimes not.
Please try my fixed model

DragonComplete_fixed.stl

Thanks!
How did you fix it? I tried using the various "repair" modes in S3D and all they did was crash the program!

I am using 3.1.1 on Windows 7 Pro SP1.
DLC

[MasterFX]

First I tried Meshmixer but the Inspector tool couldn't fix it.
Then I used FreeCad with the following workflow:
1. Open STL
2. Switch to "Part" Mode
3. Part => Create Shape from Mesh (this could take a very long time)
4. Select the created mesh
5. Part => Convert to solid
6. Select Solid part and export it as STL

Thats it

[RoboDLC]

First I tried Meshmixer but the Inspector tool couldn't fix it.
Then I used FreeCad with the following workflow:
1. Open STL
2. Switch to "Part" Mode
3. Part => Create Shape from Mesh (this could take a very long time)
4. Select the created mesh
5. Part => Convert to solid
6. Select Solid part and export it as STL

Thats it

Thanks for the effort man! I am looking at learning some 3D mechanical creation. Currently I use TinkerCAD, which has some dimensional correctness issues. Have you used Sketchup as well as FreeCAD? Which is easier for the complete noob to come up to speed on?

I didn't mean to hijack my own post, so this will be the last I'll talk about the CAD issue on this thread...
DLC

[MasterFX]

Have you used Sketchup as well as FreeCAD? Which is easier for the complete noob to come up to speed on?

Yes I tried Sketchup but I found it not so good for me. And FreeCAD is in my opinion very annoying for designing too. Tooks too long to get results.
I'm using Freecad only for converting etc. since it can open very much formats.
Even Fusion 360 tooks me to long to get my designs ready. Yes it is powerful, but in my opinion this sketch type based designing is outdated these times.

For designing I use DesignSpark Mechanical which based on Spaceclaim and is totally free.
Designing is so intuitive that I'm done in only a couple of minutes and get it printed. For me DS Mechanical is the way to go, especially for beginners.

[RoboDLC]

Again, thanks.

I will try both of those free CAD packages. I am very much a mechanical noob!

Thanks,
DLC