The use of .STL files

[Mgrenier]

quote:

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I am just curious as to why you would save stl files for each op?

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I do it that way also because that way you don't have to verify the entire part everytime you want to verify the operation you just made. I know there is the fast forward button but even with the button some operations take more then 30 min. to verify. I just want to save some time by saving an STL after each operation.

 

Hope this makes sense.

[ToolMan184]

Martin,

 

I see why you do it that way now. Especially if you have HUGE ops.

 

The WCS has been a life saver to me once I learned how to use it.

[Michael Sullivan]

+1 Martin. I do it this way for the same reason. I also prefer to have separate files for each operation because IMHO it neater and self explanatory to anyone that's not familiar with the file to look at it later.

[Zero]

+1 to Rhino for stl mesh file manipulation techniques

[doyleg]

I was with toolman184, but after reading this I am going to have to learn how to use the stl files. I tried once but the stl didn't look anything like it was supposed to when I brought it back up. So I haven't tried it since. What is the proper way to save these, and how do you use them if it needs to be rotated for other ops?

[Mgrenier]

Actually I also use WCS so I never have to rotate my STL files from one op to the other when in verify. You save the STL file when the operation is finished in verify and then press on the icon that looks like a floppy disk.

 

Hope that helps,

[doyleg]

Thanks. Will give it a try again.

[Bruce Kanzelmeyer]

I just installed the Verisurf STL reader on my system and I see the additional tabs in the op manager, however can't seem to get it to function. Is it necessary to have the Solids option in Mastercam for this to work? Will it not work with surface only models? Thanks for any insight.

[Michael Sullivan]

Bruce,

Solids is not needed,I don't have the solids module and it works fine.

 

1)Choose the reverse tab.

 

2) hit the top left button "open or import point cloud data file"

 

3)choose your stl file. Now Your file should now be overlayed on your model in the graphics view and listed in the reverse tab of the Op manager.

 

(Reverse tab in the Op manager)

You can now click the top right button "draw settings" and change your shade/settings color etc.

If you highlight the file in the op. manager, Right click then you can choose the different functions ex.Xform,filter etc.

[Michael Sullivan]

Here's a screenshot.

 

The green is the model and the white is the stl.

 

HTH

 

[Bruce Kanzelmeyer]

Thanks Mike, I will give it a whirl. What's the red, green and blue bar to the right side of your graphics window?

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

Bruce,

 

That is the legend for the Verisurf Analysis.

You can turn these off in the Verisurf preferences.

 

The Verisurf watermark can also be turned off.

 

Ernie

[Bruce Kanzelmeyer]

Mike,

 

Please excuse me if I'm a little dense this morning, but I'm having difficulty seeing how this adds any benefit. When I verify, apparently MC is using the file that is defined in stock setup. Manipulating the imported point cloud doesn't seem to influence the stl that is being used for the verify process, but merely adds another instance of the stl model. Is there a way to get MC to use the imported point cloud for the verification process and then save a new instance. My particular project is a relatively complicated part that machines the top and bottom of an alum billet in 3 different orientations. I had done my original programming manipulating the WCS, however I have been unable to verify the part as I can't seem to get MC to verify from the "bottom" view. I am hoping that the Verisurf add-on would allow me to create .stl files verifying each step of the way, which requires bouncing back and forth between various top and bottom views of the model.

[Michael Sullivan]

Bruce,

Verisurf can manage multiple stl files in the reverse tab. After you import the point cloud you can copy it. Then, manipulate the copy and save it as whatever name you want. (right click on the file in the reverse tab and select exportto file).After this file is saved in the location you choose you can just link it to your stock setup and use it for verify. as far as flipping back between views, do you mean in one verify session or separately?

I usually keep all of my operations in separate files to keep them neat and also to avoid the inevitable stock setup mess.

 

If your programs are in separate files you can :

1)verify the first op

2) save stl from verify

3)import the stl into the next op file

4) manipulate and save it through Verisurf Reverse

5) link it to your stock setup/verify

 

Then repeat for all operations.

 

If you have all your ops in one program you can have all your stl files there too and named appropriately but you will have to re-associate the stock each time you switch ops.

 

Mastercam will also let you x-form stl however, I feel it's pretty awkward compared to the verisurf version and verisurf offers other functions like filtering for large files as well as a good view of stock in the graphics window. What I never liked about the stock setup stl viewer is the stl disappears as soon as you go into backplot. The Verisurf stl remains so you can see when the cutter contacts your material.

I have not used all the features but, I'm impressed so far.I'm sure there is a lot I don't know about yet.

 

JM2C

 

I hope I answered your questions. If not maybe Ernie will jump in.

 

-Mike

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

Michael,

 

The lastest download has better mesh filtering.

 

Give it a try.

 

Ernie

[jgary]

I just installed two different versions of the verisurf utility, and I keep getting errors upon start up of MC.

 

error report dialog

 

ex. unable to open resource module...

 

paraboloid.dll, reverse.dll, and surface patch.dll

 

any ideas?

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

You need to be on Mastercam X2MR2.

Are you on MR2?

 

Ernie

[jgary]

yes i am

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

Did you try this one?

Verisurf_X2mr2_Reverse_4-12-08.exe

 

Ernie

[jgary]

yeah, i actually tried that one first, i had the same issues

[cobra95kev]

Me too.

[Michael Sullivan]

It's working here

 

The stl filter is Sweet!

 

[Michael Sullivan]

Ernie,

 

Is everyone else using the same installer I have?

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

I found the problem.

 

The install was missing a couple of needed FT files.

 

I will have a new install uploaded shortly.

 

Ernie

[cobra95kev]

Thanks Ernie!