Decompiling/Converting STL file into SCAD file

Hi all,

Is there any way to "decompile" or convert STL file into SCAD file?

I found very cool object, nuts and bolts, in Thingverse, but they only come in STL file and IPT file. It seems like IPT is a format for some other CAD program, which I don't have.

I wanted to make the bolt a little longer than the original design. Fortunately, it seems like there are other designs of nuts and bolts in Thingverse, some of which comes in SCAD format.

However, it made it me wonder if SCAD file can be decompiled/converted from STL file. I would like to know how, if that's possible. I am pretty sure I will come across an object or two (most likely a lot more) which I only have STL files for but need to make some slight modifications.

Thank you.

No the best you could do is import the STL into OpenScad and then cut the end of the thread off and union that onto the end of itself to make the threaded part longer.

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[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

So.. I can import the STL into OpenScad? How do I do that?

Thank you!

import("file.stl", convexity = n);

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[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

Oh.. that import... Thank you!

There are also utilities that generate an openscad polyhedron from a stl :

[www.thingiverse.com] (javascript)
[www.thingiverse.com] (python)

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Most of my technical comments should be correct, but is THIS one ?
Anyway, as a rule of thumb, always double check what people write.

Hello,

Quote
Yamster
I found very cool object, nuts and bolts, in Thingverse, but they only come in STL file and IPT file. It seems like IPT is a format for some other CAD program, which I don't have.

Do you have a link ?

I believe IPT is an Autodesk Inventor part file. The best would be to ask the author to export the file to STEP, which is a universal exchange CAD format.

Quote
DeuxVis
There are also utilities that generate an openscad polyhedron from a stl

A polyhedron has no screw thread. Yamster wants to extend the threaded end of a bolt.