djkingsley
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There is also a binary form for STL files, changing the extension and uploading as ASCII will corrupt the file.
I have CAD and a 3D printer
- Thread starter dr wogz
- Start date
Help Support The Rocketry Forum:
You can now upload STL files.
SteveThatcher
SMT Designs
looks nice. That will make for a sharp rocket on the pad...
vcp
Well-Known Member
Cool. Quick work!
Here is a test
I have two questions:
- I might post a 3d show off thread. Where would you put it? Software? Gallery?
- Anybody interested in a contest? I would make some rules like you must post an image of the final product and the STL file.
Good idea, but what if we don't have STL files? I don't. Some of us just have some other format like the CAD program generates? Say SolidWorks SLDPRT files?
In Solidworks: Go to save as, in the "save as type" drop down menu you will find ".STL" format. I am ok with other format but SLT is a more universal format. If I am wrong, let me know.
Thanks for that. I'll give it a go sometime this weekend if I get to it.
Way too many choices
Or "Plans", or "Scratch Built", or "Techniques"...
Way too many choices
dr wogz
Fly caster
IGES files would be a 2nd source. used to be a fairly standard 'generic' 3D "CAD" file type..
Maybe, if we're looking to allow an 'STL' file type, we may want to allow a few native CAD file types; Fusion360, Solidworks, Creo, Rhino, Inventor, etc..
Maybe, if we're looking to allow an 'STL' file type, we may want to allow a few native CAD file types; Fusion360, Solidworks, Creo, Rhino, Inventor, etc..
I will research file types. I went with STL files because most 3d printers I have reviewed will print them.
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If I want to maximize utility, I always upload .stl, .iges, and whatever the native CAD format was.
.stl's are hard to edit easily because they don't have true flat/round surfaces to edit off of, and tend to be very large and complicated to import well into things like inventor and solidworks.
.iges is better because you have "real" geometry but you still have no feature history.
Native format is good because you have a design history to work with, and complex changes can be extremely fast and easy. Downside is compatibility with other programs...
.stl's are hard to edit easily because they don't have true flat/round surfaces to edit off of, and tend to be very large and complicated to import well into things like inventor and solidworks.
.iges is better because you have "real" geometry but you still have no feature history.
Native format is good because you have a design history to work with, and complex changes can be extremely fast and easy. Downside is compatibility with other programs...
What type of file is .iges? Text? I can ask. For safety and security, we cannot open this up to all files.
vcp
Well-Known Member
And then there's STEP. Direct competitor to IGES, but newer. Supposedly has better features and greater compatibility, but I have no direct experience with it. I just gave it a try, and as I expected, my Solidworks license has run out. I'll get it renewed, but that'll be a few weeks. (Solidworks veterans program).
I see they give the discount to active duty also. I will have to buy a copy.
What programs use IGS?
dr wogz
Fly caster
IGES is (was) like a PDF to the CAD world.. easily share geometry with what ever 3D modeller (CAD) you use.. all CAD systems should be able to import & export to IGES, STEP, STL, as well as DWG or DXF for 2D stuff..
those 3 should be a minimum..
those 3 should be a minimum..
dr wogz
Fly caster
What do you mean? a NC that's made up of several pieces? (A large NC split up to fit into pieces to fit onto a small print bed?)
Yes, precisely.
Brainlord Mesomorph
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I bought a cheap ABS printer a couple of years ago.
It took a lot of acetone and sanding but I could eventually I could get a nice glass-like finish.
Now two years later, its cracking an delaminating.
Maybe the tech is better now, but don't be surprised if 3d printed stuff doesn't last.
It took a lot of acetone and sanding but I could eventually I could get a nice glass-like finish.
Now two years later, its cracking an delaminating.
Maybe the tech is better now, but don't be surprised if 3d printed stuff doesn't last.
SteveThatcher
SMT Designs
It actually doesn't have a lot to do about improving tech except materials. It is all about layer thickness, extrusion temperature, extrusion amount, and cooling while printing. You mentioned a cheap ABS printer. If the printer was not enclosed for example, then the abs would have cooled too quickly between layers and that would lead to delamination later. If the amount of extruded material was less than needed in a layer, then if might not adhere to the previous layer properly. Lots of variables... ABS is actually one of the more difficult materials to print with (unless you are talking about exotic types like polycarbonate). When I started 3d printing, I only printed in ABS, but I had an enclosed printer and I went through a lot of material before I got it right. Since then, I have printed a lot of parts in PLA and now I everything I do is PETG.
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Very nice.
Asked for IGS, IGES, and STEP to be added.
Saw that. Will do, but not sure when. Time is in short supply currently. I will get the 4" files out there as well. They take the same sled.
IGS, IGES, and STEP have been added.
Thanks! One of the nice things of STEP is, that it allows assemblies too. Heres a test (and what keeps me busy during these days).
Reinhard
dr wogz
Fly caster
Sorry Bobby, completely missed this post!
I use CREO by PTC. You might have heard it as it's other (older) name: "PRO Engineer"
it's the next level after Solidworks & Inventor / Fusion3D. It's on par with Catia.. very steep learning curve, very rigid..
