FreeCAD: Import and edit an .stl file

[last updated: 2023-09-19]
Command & Operation notes
FreeCAD
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• I have an .STL file for 3d printing that I got online, and I want to put it into FC and edit/customize it.
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• Using FC 20.2:
  • Open FC.
    File > New
    File > Import
          navigate to desired stl file, double-click
  • click to select the imported object (in model tree)
    Workbench: Part
    Part tab: create shape from mesh
    click "Sew shape", accept default tolerance or not, click OK.
    a new item is created in the model window ( typ. "001")
    (select orig item and press spacebar to hide it)
  • click in model tree to select "001"
    Part tab: Convert to solid
    a new item is created in model tree, labeled "(solid)"
    (select orig item and press spacebar to hide it)
  • click in model tree to select the solid
    Part tab: Create copy --> refine shape
    a new item is created in the model tree ("(Solid)001")
    (select orig item and press spacebar to hide it)
  • click in model tree to select solid001
    Part Design workbench
    click create body icon
    a new Body is created in the model tree,
    and our imported solid has been converted to "BaseFeature"

  • With the new Body active, create a new sketch
    and you can add pads or subtract pockets from the original imported model.
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  • (link to:) FreeCAD wiki import from stl
    This tutorial mostly explains how to verify that the stl file you want to work with is "correct", ie. water-tight, correct normals, etc.

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