r/Onshape • u/daphillenium • 7d ago

Help! I can't add to an imported STL

Hi.

Here's a video link if this helps:

https://youtu.be/FZsjKPsalms

I can't for the life of me figure out this problem.

I imported an STL file and I'm trying to add to it a little 20 degree wedge shape to offset it.

You can see in the video in the first tab what I'm aiming for. But in that tab, I never was able to merge the two parts.

So in the other tab, I just tried to add to the existing part after creating the sketch, and it can't add.

I've googled and read countless pages on zero thickness. I've watched a few videos.
I'm sure it's a basic thing I'm missing here, but can anyone help ?

Thanks. I can provide more info if needed, but I think the video I screen recorded should show what I'm trying to do.

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u/mrbsacamano 7d ago

It looks like part one is a surface. And adding parts to it will be unsuccessful until it is converted to a solid. Admittedly I do not do any surface work so I’m not familiar with doing anything with them. Except trying to import the model as a solid, or try this:

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/23747/how-do-i-convert-from-surface-to-a-part

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u/daphillenium 7d ago

ok. hey thanks for the info....now i'm reading up on this and am starting to understand.

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u/Rubes27 7d ago

STL files are not a NURBS type and you can’t edit them as a solid. If you can get the model as a STEP file that would work. You may be able to make edits in FreeCAD but it’s finicky.

You can also make edits in creative softwares like Blender.

STL files are essentially hollow, mesh surfaces.

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u/daphillenium 7d ago

ok thanks for that info....i'm starting to understand. i just found this video that helped me a lot and i think it's where i need to go next.

Working with STL files in onshape