Calculating volume of .stl files

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John Umekubo

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Nov 17, 2017, 2:08:33 PM11/17/17
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Hi group, 

I am doing this project with middle school math teachers right now where they have students work in groups to create a "robot" in tinkercad using multiple primitive shapes only. Students are asked to collectively create a robot that has a volume of 120 cubic cm. 

I needed a way to calculate models not for build volume (amount of plastic used) but instead what the volume would be if the model were solid, 100% infill.

Came upon this free tool: https://www.viewstl.com/

Seems accurate, but wondered if anyone else has some experience with this or might have another suggestion.

Thanks all!

Josh Gold

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Nov 17, 2017, 2:12:12 PM11/17/17
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For middle school students using https://www.blockscad3d.com might allow them to calculate them by hand.  I believe the default radius is 10mm.

Also, I have some 3d printing projects focussed on middle school math I'd be willing to share from my previous job if you're interested.

-Josh

John Umekubo

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Nov 17, 2017, 2:13:33 PM11/17/17
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Thank you very much Josh, yes would love to see what you have done, and can share with my math folks. 

Cheers!

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Tim Cooper

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Nov 17, 2017, 3:46:09 PM11/17/17
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We did a similar project with math in Tinkercad for the last two years. Students created everyday objects with a volume of 420 cmms. Kids would make shape blocks in  in Tinkercad and add the volumes together. We only merged negatively - subtracting volume of inner object in the merge. Positively we put the shapes right next to each other and grouped them. We only used rectangular, triangular and cylindrical prisms for simplicity. Kids screenshots stages. Tinkercad gives good dimensions when you click on the object and we screenshot them. Kids made toothbrush holders, dreadles, jewelry racks, pencil holders and a wide variety of chachkas. We have not done it in two years since the teacher went on mat leave, but it worked well for two years before that. Happy to talk more. Water displacement it a good proof in the end.

Best
Tim
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Tim Cooper, M.Ed OCT

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John Umekubo

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Nov 18, 2017, 12:10:07 PM11/18/17
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Tim, thank you for this. The project sounds very similar in nature to ours. I like the subtraction of negative space, something for them to try on the next go round.

The idea of water displacement is a great one, very helpful. 
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