3d Model

[CompTrex]

I am sure you can do it. The file most likely to be compatible, as most 3D printers use them, are .stl files with some printers preferring .obj files. I try to keep my updated .stl and .obj files uploaded to this public Google Drive:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bxh8JmkBAL7wU3VacXF2TGpyQ2s


If you want to create new 3D designs and/or edit the files you would need some kind of CAD software. Frankly this kind of software is where 3D printing still has some ways to go in becoming user friend and some more advanced features are still restricted to paid software however there are some good free CAD tools out there which provide a lot of functionality even if they are still engineering tools so not exactly user friendly.

A free piece of CAD software which is commonly used in the 3D printing world is Meshmixer which is actually part of a larger suite of free software tools aimed at the 3D printing world.

http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer

FreeCAD is a good general purpose piece of CAD software. It is quite powerful and while not terribly difficult to use there is a learning curve involved in using CAD software.

http://www.freecadweb.org/

If you have Windows 8 Microsoft actually has a pretty nice basic piece of software which is fun to play with and easy to use. It is mostly an entry level tool and does not have very advanced tools however it does have pretty some intelligent repair capability which can actually automatically repair many common problems found in 3D models.

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/3d-builder/75f3f766-13b3-45e9-a62f-29590d5781f2

Microsoft also has an online 3D model repair tool which is essentially the same repair capability as the desktop app however all you do is upload your files and receive and download a fie and after waiting a bit download a file with the repairs to the 3D model.

https://modelrepair.azurewebsites.net/index.php

I'll have to check it out. I'm familiar with CadKey, AutoCad, AutoCad LT, as well as little bits of SolidWorks. I believe SolidWorks is the software that the robotics team has along with the printer.
Thanks G1. I'll give this a go!

 

[goofyone]

I'll have to check it out. I'm familiar with CadKey, AutoCad, AutoCad LT, as well as little bits of SolidWorks. I believe SolidWorks is the software that the robotics team has along with the printer.
Thanks G1. I'll give this a go!

Working with these files is a taller hurdle for people who have never worked with CAD software at all however if you already have some experience with CAD tools it should not be too difficult for you to understand. Enjoy!

 

[ajetmech]

very COOL G1, Nice job. And nice job to Ari also. I look forward to a nice 'Creamsicle' one, to mount as a hood ornament on my truck (just kidding, it'll go on my desk) until I get my real Elio.

 

[ecdriver711]

Wow, Good work G1.

 

[NSTG8R]

Okay computer guys, I'm attempting to download the .stl file of Ari's model to play with in Blender, but keep getting this message. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kuda]

FYI.....................................

 

[Jim H]

FYI.....................................

Would be awesome if GoofyOne or AriLea could get them to offer the Elio as one of their cars.

 

[CompTrex]

So here's my first (and second) attempt. First one turned into a convertible, but that had more to do with the dogs knocking the plug out of the wall than an actual design feature. Thanks @goofyone for the files.

 

[NSTG8R]

So here's my first (and second) attempt. First one turned into a convertible, but that had more to do with the dogs knocking the plug out of the wall than an actual design feature. Thanks @goofyone for the files.

NICE! But dont' forget Arilea! He's got many, many hours invested creating the original model(s).

 

[CompTrex]

NICE! But dont' forget Arilea! He's got many, many hours invested creating the original model(s).

Very true! Thanks to @AriLea as well.Kudos to all.