Revit and STL files

[zanzibarbob7]

I'm looking at sending my Revit file to a Zcorp modeling machine and they require STL format. We had a seminar from Zcorp but though the company lists Revit as compatible they could not tell me how to achieve that compatability. How is it done.

[Wes Macaulay]

Export the model to AutoCAD and run the STLOUT command there.

[zanzibarbob7]

Thanks Wes, but I don't have Autocad. I do have Viz and I see they have an STL export option. I'm still fooling with Viz so things are murky on working with files to import or export. I'm trying to get some clarification from Zcorp. They should provide a PDF with the appropriate steps. They haven't and have alluded to Viz just as you have to Autocad.

I'm also talking with a service bureau, i say vendor, that makes the models. We'll see.

[cwentworth]

I can help if you like. I'm a Contex (ZCorp) reseller and I do a lot of Architectural models. Call me if you like I can walk you through it.

Chris
3DRP
714-848-4559
www.3drp.com

[dhurtubise]

Could you post some sample please ? (Photos)

[zanzibarbob7]

Chris,

Thanks for the response. I'm stretched out like a red worm today but will call. A PDF by you or Zcorp, walking the client through the process would be invaluable. Thanks

[truevis]

I've been looking into it some and it's not so simple. The potential seems to be there but there are a bunch of issues.

First, Zcorp prints a powder that is bound by some kind of glue. The objects you have in your model that are thin, like glass, columns, doors, etc. need to be artificially thickened or changed so they will be strong enough not to fall apart at the scale they're printed.

Second, colors are great but how do you get them from Revit? Export to DWG first and you simply get the colors of the layers exported to. Possible to make a DWG with a layer for every material and its color = to the shaded color? I don't think so. (Well, I have an idea but haven't tried it yet.) You make a VRML with Max or whatever but you've got to re-do all the colors somehow.

[cwentworth]

It's easy to adjust your Revit file to output a solid model. You should save a "Model" version so you don't loose your work. Then remove the interior walls and geometry if your just doing a mass model. Thicken the walls and windows, then output a dwg file. Bring it into 3D Studio Max and apply the texture maps. Then save it as a VRML file and the printer can print it out. I'll attach some examples that this was done for. We have a service that can do this as well. If you need help or don't have 3D Studio let me know. I'm happy to help in any way I can. After all it's what I do!

Thanks,
Chris
www.3DRP.com
714-848-4559

[cwentworth]

A red worm? Man I hate when that happens! LOL I love that. I'm going to use it!

I will work on a PDF for you. It's real simple though. I went over the procedure in the other post.

I am a reseller and service provider for Contex not ZCorp. If your confused by the name, Contex owns ZCorp.

Thanks,
Chris



Chris,

Thanks for the response. I'm stretched out like a red worm today but will call. A PDF by you or Zcorp, walking the client through the process would be invaluable. Thanks