OSB Sheathing 4x8 x 7/16 1:12 scale model with realistic texture

This is another 1:12 scale model I used in constructing my scale model shed. It has been textured using a photo of actual OSB in IdeaMaker slicer, which exports to GCODE. The GCODE was then “voxelized” (made into a volumetric pixel) in the Voxelizer 3 slicer software that then allows one to export back to STL format. Geez, could someone please write some open source software to texturize STL-in directly to STL-out? 

The process takes a while because the object has to be stood on edge in IdeaMaker as it will not texture top and bottom surfaces. Texture projection should also be done in “cube” mode for this rectangular object. THEN one has to insert a modifier object for the simple rectangular model to restrict the texture to NOT be applied to one side so that it will be flat and printable. One drawback to IdeaMaker is that there is really no way to turn off texturing on the SIDES of the model, which makes them a bit irregular and gives a less tight fit in the physical print model. The modifier object function is fairly dumb, too, as it would be nice for it to allow the user to select a “copy object size” from the object being modified. It does let you specify the size, but you need to know to convert 4ftx8ft to 1/12 scale THEN convert that number to millimeters. Ugh. 

OK, with modifier scaled to match the model size and position to bisect the geometry to make a textured top and smooth bottom, one slices the model - this should be done with the highest precision setting for best results, e.g. 0.1mm or less layer height and 0.2mm nozzle size. Then, preview the model to make sure the texture was applied in the expected manner. Usually the photo texture needs to be converted to grayscale and have the contrast turned way, way up and the brightness turned way, way down. I use Irfanview to do this as it is very quick and easy.  If satisfied with the preview, export to disk in GCODE format. 

Next, launch Voxelizer 3 and load the GCODE, then “voxelize precise” at 0.1mm. Once done, export to STL.

BUT WE'RE NOT DONE YET! The texturing process blows up the thickness of the scale object to about 2.5x the original scale size. 1:12 scale of 7/16 inches = 0.926mm. My slicer was telling me 1.96mm thick! <sigh> SO, import the model into your slicer (Bambu Slicer in my case), flop in on the build plate, then use the CUT function to lop off about half of the thickness, but be away you don't want the end result to be too weak, e.g. where the texture cut into the surface, or have actual holes where none were intended. Tell the cut operation to throw away the bottom part and keep the top. THEN to get a thinned STL like the one you're downloading here, export the sliced result as STL format (not saved at 3MF as the File→Save function would do, use EXPORT).

Note the printed OSB sheets are easy to score and snap to cut them to fit various situations. I haven't found a way in visual CAD to edit an STL object to perform “sawing” operations, but I think OpenSCAD might be the way to go. Ideally, one could run plain models from CAD through the texturing process, but note how complex that whole process was and think about all the unique “lumber cuts” you end up needing. THEN be warned that I tried doing just that and for some reason the texture did not apply in a satisfactory manner to the smaller pieces of “lumber” as it did for the full sheet! Shee-ite! I did a lot of scoring and snapping, and flush-cutter pruning to build my model…