Best Export File for 3D printing??

[cleverc...@gmail.com]

I am considering having scale models 3D printed to test for flight as a RC models and go from there, could you tell me what file format would be best for this purpose?

Thanks,

Shannon Lacey

[Rob McDonald]

Shannon,

I think that VSP should be very well suited to a rapid prototyping
workflow. You'll have to keep us informed of your results.

The best file format is really determined by your downstream tools --
what does the 3D printer want, and/or any other modeling tools you
need to use before printing.

The canonical file format for 3D printing is the STL file. VSP can
export two kinds of STL files with different characteristics for the
triangles. Both accurately represent the surface of the geometry and
are watertight geometries. I would suggest you start with the
computationally less expensive approach.

You generate these files through 'CompGeom'. Click 'Geom' on the
menu, pick 'CompGeom (Union)...' from the menu. Then click 'Execute'.
VSP will take the union of the wireframe on screen. If you want to
tailor the resolution of the triangles, go back and change the number
of cross sections or the number of parts per cross section.

Once you're satisfied, 'File', 'Export...', 'Sterolith File (stl)...',
and then use the file browser to pick a name and save the file.

If you need to use a traditional CAD program to modify your model
before sending it to the 3D printer, I would suggest you use the
Rhino3D export format (no CompGeom needed). Rhino has a free trial
and can save its files in a variety of formats like STEP and IGES.

Rob

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[J.R. Gloudemans]

I have printed a few models from OpenVSP using the compgeom -> export stl method.  Increase the number of points and cross-sections to smooth the surface.  You can also check your model (and correct small problems) using MeshLab.  I have attached a pic of the surfboard fin I designed in OpenVSP (using the Eppler 817 hydrofoil airfoil). 

-J.R.