Author Topic: STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?  (Read 3363 times)

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ednadolski

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STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?
« on: March 06, 2021, 11:57:17 AM »
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My first question for doing 3D work --- probably something obvious that I am overlooking.....

I'm importing my .stl file (created in SketchUp) into Photon Workshop Slicer, but (unlike some other files) it shows up as a very tiny object.   I suspect there is some scale mismatch or conversion from inches to metric going on somewhere, but I am being a cement-head when in finding where the software knobs for all this stuff are hidden (apparently the software designers think that everyone works on a tiny cell phone screen, but I digress :facepalm:).  In Sketchup my model is made in actual-size, inch dimensions which I export as STL, yet these don't seem to translate (or perhaps are being ignored) by the Slicer's import.   Is there a method to set the import scaling on the Photon Workshop Slicer, or some other config/setup that I have missed?  (Trying to RTFM on this stuff can be an exercise in looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack.)  Or maybe there are better programs (Chitubox?) to use?

All input greatly appreciated (as always!) ;)

Ed

John

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Re: STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2021, 12:11:01 PM »
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Since you created the model in actual size -- just change the X Y Z to 1/160 or 1/87 .. or whatever .. and save it in milimeters ..

RBrodzinsky

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Re: STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2021, 12:41:04 PM »
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On the left side, there is an icon (third down) that is a square inset in a larger square, with a diagonal arrow.   This is the scaling tool
Rick Brodzinsky
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narrowminded

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Re: STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2021, 06:49:12 PM »
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My first question for doing 3D work --- probably something obvious that I am overlooking.....

I'm importing my .stl file (created in SketchUp) into Photon Workshop Slicer, but (unlike some other files) it shows up as a very tiny object.   I suspect there is some scale mismatch or conversion from inches to metric going on somewhere, but I am being a cement-head when in finding where the software knobs for all this stuff are hidden (apparently the software designers think that everyone works on a tiny cell phone screen, but I digress :facepalm:).  In Sketchup my model is made in actual-size, inch dimensions which I export as STL, yet these don't seem to translate (or perhaps are being ignored) by the Slicer's import.   Is there a method to set the import scaling on the Photon Workshop Slicer, or some other config/setup that I have missed?  (Trying to RTFM on this stuff can be an exercise in looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack.)  Or maybe there are better programs (Chitubox?) to use?

All input greatly appreciated (as always!) ;)

Ed

When you export your STL file from Sketchup you are given a choice to save in english or metric.  Save in metric.  I don't believe that the slicer recognizes inches at all.  Also, if I understand correctly, you drew the model in full 1:1 scale and want to reduce it to 1:160 scale.  Do that in Sketchup before to export the STL file.  You can save the scaled drawing under its own drawing number.  You could scale it in the slicer too but I don't remember the place as I've never done that, always exported the scaled file.  I do recall it being fairly obvious.
Mark G.

ednadolski

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Re: STL File - Set Import Scale for Photon Workshop Slicer?
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2021, 08:09:34 PM »
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When you export your STL file from Sketchup you are given a choice to save in english or metric.  Save in metric.  I don't believe that the slicer recognizes inches at all.

Looks like you're right on.  If I scale the model in PWS by 2540% then it comes out to the right size.

Turns out Sketchup does have a knob to make it export in mm, buried under the options button when in the export dialogue.  With that set to mm then the model imports into PWS with the correct scaling.  Not sure if there is a way to set the default globally.

I did read somewhere that the .stl file format does not have a way to track dimensional units.  Seems PWS simply assumes it's all in millimeters.

Ed

« Last Edit: March 06, 2021, 11:31:30 PM by ednadolski »