Why are my models shrinking when I put them into Cura?

[tobedestroyed 0]

Here are two screenshots where you can see the model shrunk. Its supposed to be 6 inches but clearly.. It's not.

[Slashee_the_Cow 410]

STL files don't actually contain real world measurements, just generic units. The convention is that they're exported at 1 unit = 1mm but not all software does that.

 

Easy enough to fix though, just open the Scale tool on the left toolbar and put in the correct size.

(My test model isn't as big as whatever you're making 🙂)

[MineralMike 1]

I suspect you used Imperial (inches) dimensions in your design software, but dimensions in STL files are interpreted as metric (MM). Look in your design software for an option to convert your Imperial dimensions to metric when creating the STL file. i'll bet that solves your problem.

 

No need to scale your model back to full-size in Cura.

 

[MineralMike 1]

More on saving STL files from design software....

 

I use DesignSpark Mechanical, and create models using Imperial units. Attached is a screen shot of the DSM Save-As dialog for STL, showing where to tell it to convert my units to metric. If you don't do this, your 4-inch-tall model will print 4mm tall.

 

HTH.

 

 

Edited August 8 by MineralMike

[GregValiant 1,342]

There is also the Mesh Tools plugin in the Marketplace.  Once installed it will be available under "Extensions".

The "Mesh Tools Settings" will bring up this dialog where you can set a default for "Files that don't specify a unit".  When set to "Inch" the Mesh Tools will automatically scale the model to "millimeters" when it loads.

 

[ahoeben 1,985]

On 8/9/2024 at 2:53 PM, GregValiant said:

When set to "Inch" the Mesh Tools will automatically scale the model to "millimeters" when it loads.

Just remember that it will do that for ALL files loaded as STL, also models you download from somewhere that may be intended to load in mm.