I would like to use a 3D printer to output a 3D object in the middle of a houdini animation.

Is it possible to convert a 3D object in the middle of an animation into an obj file, FBX file, etc.?

ishinarchitect
Is it possible to convert a 3D object in the middle of an animation into an obj file, FBX file, etc.?

Sure. Append one of ROP SOPs:
- ROP FBX Output SOP for FBX format,
- ROP Alembic Output SOP for Alembic,
- ROP GLTF SOP for GLTF,
- ROP Geometry Output SOP for other formats.

Specify the frame you want to export, input the target path, change export format parameters as needed. Hit "Save to Disk" button.

If your asset consists of multiple geometry objects from /objnetwork. Create a separate geometry object, dive into it, drop a Object Merge SOP and pull geometry from all your objects into one place. Then append one of the listed ROP SOPs.

You can also export a specific frame of the whole scene with File->Export..., but I saw in your other thread [www.sidefx.com] that you have a problem with scene export windows.

You can also just set the frame to where you want to save from, then use a file cache sop and save as *.stl
I would just make sure you have boundaries 3D parameter set to on under the Markers tab of the display options for the viewport.
That way you can check to make sure your model is completely closed.
You'll also want to make sure all the surface polygons have their normals all facing in the same direction.