8 replies to this topic

[Martin Livingston]

Hi,

 

I would like to export from Softplan to an STL file for 3D printing. Is this possible?

[Shelly McClain]

Hello Martin, 

 

I know this is an old comment but were you able to find an answer to this question?  It has been some time back with me experimenting with converting softplan to Sketchup and then using an add on they had for sketchup that would convert to an STL or OBJ file I believe.  Curious what you might have come up with?

[Ken Montag]

An interesting question. Has anyone else explored 3d printing. I have been playing with it with limited success. First I assume we are talking about desktop FDM (filament) printers. I have found that I can print softplan basic items like walls,Windows doors etc, but even these require compromise. Due to small print size thus reduction, minimum item thickness is around 1.75 in thick. Details in Windows, trim, cabinets etc are lost, and in fact must be removed. Mono color also is a compromise. Given the limitations is there actually interest in this? Oh yeah print time for a single,simple floor Plan is 6 to 10 hours!

[Joseph Smith]

So cool!  Would be interested to see a small scaleable 3d printed house from SP.

 

Maybe SP will have a 3d printer printing a small scaleable house at NAHB this year.

[Dennis Hilborn]

Softplan will not export and STL file.

You would have to export to software that will export an stl file.

The file that SP exports to Autocad (which can export stl ) is not 3D. I haven't investigated what other formats SP will export to.

You could export to Autocad and do a huge cleanup then extrude the wall outline.  Poke holes in the walls for windows and doors. then print that.  I would print the roof flat since a 3d printer doesn't print overhanging angular surfaces like a roof very well. 

 

You might as well start out in something like Sketchup and trace a print of the floor plan.  Still draw and print the roof flat.

 

Print time would probably be days not hours.  3D prints are very slow.  Mine will print a 2" x 3.5" x 1/8"  flat christmas ornament in an hour which is probably about average.

[Ken Montag]

You are right, Softplan does not export a .stl file but it does a great job of exporting to Sketchup and Sketchup does a good .stl conversion. Currently I use Sketchup as a intermediary step to allow some simplifications. Also many 3d symbols are too fine for 3d printing and need to be simplified or details like table legs exaggerate for better printing. Yes, a single floor plan takes 13 hours or more. One I tried to do would take over 28 hours! Yeks. How far we pursue 3d printing is more a case of interest level. Personally I think it is pretty cool as a hobby, but is it customer ready, I don't know. I will be at the IBS show in Las Vegas next week and would love to talk to anyone interested in this topic. I may take my printer but will at least have a few models to show.
Ken Montag,
Softplan Systems

[Jesse McDaniel]

Currently, i use Blender as the transition software to go to several different types of formats for viewing in a VR environment and possible printing.  However, every program i have used for viewing in VR the model has missing parts like walls and roof sections, but only from certain angles.  I have been trying to find a way to use VR to show customers what their house will look like when they stand in the living room, kitchen, etc.  It has been a troublesome process to say the least.  I have documented this in some videos i made and posted on Youtube.

 

     Part 1 Settings:  https://youtu.be/zW94rFu4DXg

     Part 2 Transitioning to 3D:  https://youtu.be/xAI-O8IBtwE

     Part 3 Viewing in VR:  https://youtu.be/EW6EFfjC1SM

[Heath Foster]

Have you tried exporting as a sketch up file? I did this with one of my models and was able to walk through it with the oculus rift no problem.