Page 1 of 1
Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:15 pm
by webdad
I'm trying to print this spool holder -
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2070272, but whenever I attempt to prepare to print, the resulting model has the top opening capped off with a single layer.
Supports are not enabled
Both 3.3.1 and 4.0 provide the same results.
Here is the model:
Here is the print preview:

Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 2:34 am
by dkightley
This is typical of lots of models that are on Thingiverse....the mesh has errors in it right at the top of the model
You can try a simple workaround by adding increments of 0.0001mm to your layer height until you get to a point where the error is missed by the slicer. This may take several iterations to get to the right layer thickness.
The real way to fix this is to run the shape file through one of the online repair services...or if you have Windows10, load into the Windows app 3d Builder and it will do an auto repair on load...then save as a .3mf file and use that in S3D.
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 9:34 am
by webdad
Thanks for the tip! This is the first time I've encountered this issue, and I had tried some of the repair tools in S3D, but hadn't thought to try some of the other, external options.
I'll give them a shot.
Thanks again!
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 11:15 am
by blackbird2016
One more idea.
Check your advanced tab whether "merge all outlines into a single model" is checked.
Edit: Just checked myself.
With the above mentioned function not only the hole in the middle gets closed but the other three ones, too.
Maybe your file is damaged, try to download it again.
In S3D 4.0 I had no problem getting it sliced properly.
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 12:05 pm
by dkightley
In S3D 4.0 I had no problem getting it sliced properly.
This all depends on the layer height and extrusion width used. You struck lucky....but the OP did not! It is a mesh error.....repairing is the ideal fix, but as I said above, adjusting the layer height in small increments will probably get to a point where the error is bypasses.
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 12:16 pm
by webdad
Bingo - opened it in 3D Builder and saved as a 3mf.
S3D now slices it correctly.
Thanks again. I'll let the original poster on Thingiverse know.
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 8:13 pm
by smarcus3
This is why STLs should be created with as small as possible cord height. This increases the size of the file; however is more accurate as it creates smaller Triangles in the file.
Re: Prepare to Print closes off an open hole in Model
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 8:14 pm
by smarcus3
PM me if you need a mesh fixed in the future.
Steve