So in my attempt to model and print in real world dimension/scale. I thought to create a reference model. I inserted a simple cube scaled to the exact build volume of the Zortrax M200, which by the way is 200x200x185mm or 20x20x18.5cm
But then when I go import to the STL/OBJ into the Z-Suite Software. Not only does it asks me to convert from inches to mm. It also drops in this tiny little box onto the preview print bed. What gives? Not what I was expecting at all. For one, why does it need to be converted? In Blender, I had already set the units to metric not imperial. Second, I was expecting the cube(once imported) to take up the entire build volume in the Z-Suite. Could anyone shed some light on this?
GIFT3D
2
Hey Arealious2016,
I’m not entirely sure why the dimensions change when exporting it importing, but I have experienced the same thing for some time now. I believe it is due to the change in file format which operate at different scales.
Dont worry though. As long as you keep all sides proportionate it will be fine to scale up as long as you know an X,Y or Z side length.
Ive found with blender that your dimensions have to be in the thousands to get the correct scale when exporting for my printer. It seems the same is true here.
Hope this is useful.
Hi,
This is a common problem and it is quite easy to fix. Go to the scale option in the Zortrax suite an it will show the %100. So, you have to change this number to %1000.
I sometimes get the following message: “The size of your model shows that it might have been saved in inches. Do you want to convert it to millimeters?” and then I can choose “Yes” or “No”.
I got this on a very small part I wanted to print. If I select YES it is converted and the dimensions are way off. If I select NO it does not convert it and it has the correct dimensions. Simple as that.
- Torgeir
Just click no. Do not import to mm. Or you can scale the thing by 2540%…
Well, I took your guys advice and just scaled the model in the Z-Suite. Although, I must admit it feels weird and counter-intuitive. If Im trying to build a part that needs to be fitted into something else. I feel that this method of scaling back and forth is more trail and error. This is again frustrating…not knowing what percentage to scale the model to if it needs to be precise. But I’ll keep experimenting and maybe even get in contact with Zortrax also.
Do not have this problem with Z Suite yet but I had the problem with mm to inch conversions when import from one to other CAD programs.
I found to set my model design scale same as the final CAD program eliminate this issue. or design in inch convert and save in mm export in a new file with sitting default too mm. hope this help!!
1 Like
RCole
8
I never specify a scale in Blender. I do all of my work in “Blender Units”. The trick here is to realize that one “unit” is equal to one mm. So if you want a 200x200x185mm box, just build it as 200x200x185 units. When I tried working in mm or cm, the item was always too small. I didn’t spend the time to look into how Blender specifies the units in the final model. I found it easy enough to just assume that it was mm.
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Not sure why this is happening but until you find someone who does you can scale the box size in z-suite until it’s as big as you like it.
I tried your method and toggled the units to none and it worked. When I imported the model back into Z-suite, it did indeed fill the entire build plate. Thanks for the advice!
3DMuse
11
So it appears to be a Blender problem… Problem solved! Dimensional accuracy problems are usually under 1 mm btw 
