.stl and surfaces

[Guest]

I need to do 4-axis machining of .stl files. V9 won’t do it. Therefore, I need to put surfaces on .stl files. Does anybody currently do this? If you do what program do you use to create the surfaces?

[d0gFartz]

Raindrop Geomagic Studio 4

[kwolf]

Try geomagic raindrop or copycad.

[Jim from Eastech]

Go to Toolpaths>Surface.

Turn 'CAD file' to 'Y'.

This will allow you to select a STL file for machining after you set all of your parameters.

[Guest]

EasTec1:

 

That does not work for 4-axis tool paths. However, if you have an example that does work, please send it to me, as I am very interested.

[Jim from Eastech]

I stand corrected. How complicated is your stl file? Is this an ongoing project or just one time?

[Guest]

EasTech1:

 

The parts are very complex. They are reproductions of statues. This is something that is done everyday.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Have you tried RevSurf from CAMAIX? It claims to be able to do this. See here - Revsurf

[Jim from Eastech]

Raindrop is a good fit. You can use a template as a guide for recurring jobs.

[Guest]

James:

 

Camiax's web site was the first place I looked. However, the notes said it was no longer available.

[Guest]

EasTech1:

 

How much is raindrop?

[Jim from Eastech]

More than a seat of Mill Level 3. You can get RevQuick, which is Ver 2 of Raindrop (just released Ver 4) for half price.

[L Hanft]

Try Rhino, you can get an evaluation copy that is good for 25 saves at www.rhino3d.com/ It will import STL files and save them in many formats. I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for, but hope this helps.

[cadcam]

I have that rev-sruf I will have to try it with the stl thought later.

thanks for thought james

[kwolf]

I think if you want to use rhino you should use another plugin for convertin stl to surface( can find it on rhino website as well ).

However if the imported data is cloud of points you can create curves of them then convert them to surface. But it seems your real choice is choosing Raindrop or CopyCAD (www.copycad.com).

 

[ 03-30-2002, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: kwolf ]

[Kenneth Potter]

In Rhino save the STL AS---> use the wavefront *.*obj file extention & use the stl save as nurbs suface option. Then your gonna have to buy a plug in to convert *.*obj it to an iges . I know theres one some were on the rhino web sight. or you can contact Mcneel direct for more infomation.