I downloaded a radio satellite dish in STL format. I then converted its pieces to OBJ. Everything worked fine except the dish. it is flat - looks like a “C”. Is there any way to connect the ends or taper it so it looks like a cone shape? BTW: The image shows the original STL! and then the dish in ZBrush from two angles.
Hello @LD1
First off, maybe upload a slightly larger image. This one is too small to make much out.
As to your issue, this is weird. I have to ask if you’re certain that :
-
The .STL file in question actually represents that printed piece.
-
The “flattened” piece is actually the dish, and not simply another piece of the model.
Otherwise I don’t know why that would have happened. I’ve never seen that before. How did you convert the .stl into an .OBJ? You can import .STLs directly into Zbrush with the 3d Print hub. Maybe try that instead.
Actually repairing that shape would be more difficult than simply modeling it all over again from scratch. You’ve got to solve the import/export issue.
I don’t want to print it - I want to texture the whole Satellite dish unit for a 3D scene. — I used Blender to convert it to OBJs.
Yes the STL file on the left’s dish is the same as the OBJ that is in the other picts. Except for the dish, I have the whole thing put together in another 3D program. It’s just that since it is mant for 3D printing, the dish part is created flat. Obviously it is meant to be manually bent into shape once it is printed.
Forgetting that it was once an STL, If I only had that flat “C” shape as an OBJ - is there any deformation etc. that can shape it into a cone -thus making the ends meet?
Ah, I see.
In regard to completing the circle, if the disk mesh is aligned symmetrically in the worldspace, the easiest way by far is to use Tool > Geometry > Modify Topology > Mirror and Weld along the appropriate axis to mirror the geometry from the complete side to the other. This may require you to reposition the mesh. You could also switch on Local Symmetry (Transform > L.Sym, depending on the situation.
Switching on the Floor Grid may help you visualize the mirror plane. Make sure the Draw > Elevation slider is set to zero. Also note that M&W only works in one direction, so it may be necessary to first flip the mesh to the other side along the relevant axis with Tool > Deformation >Mirror.
After completing the circle, there are a number of Gizmo Deformers that may be applicable. I can’t say whether you’ll be able to deform it without significant distortion, but give it a go.
It might be helpful to Dynamesh it first to make sure the geometry is dense enough to deform smoothly.
Thanks - I will try the steps that you mentioned.