X2 and STL files

[Bruce]

Has anyone had much to do with saving and opening STL files with X2.

I was hoping to use X2, to generate STL files for use on a 3d printer.

However when I open a STL file in X2 all the surfaces have disappeared, and there a lines going in every direction.

[edmBosto]

I can't check this out until I get a job but try this Xform/STL then open file and see if she looks better.

[Bruce]

After reading more about what a STL file is made up off, maybe what I see on the screen is correct. Is anyone able to put up a picture of what a STL file looks like in X2.

[edmBosto]

An STL file looks like a solid model when I open them as I mentioned. An STL file contains a description of the surface of a solid that has been decomposed into triangles.

So if you go to open a STL file you will see triangles. When ever I go to Xform STL before it is in my screen it looks like a solid.

 

[ 09-18-2008, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: edmBosto ]

[DavidB]

A STL file is made up of triangular data, there are no surfaces or solids.

A stl file can look just like a solid or a surfaced modal. Like what you use when you use a STL for verify.

I also use STL modals for Vericut.

[Bruce]

Sorry Guys, I must be having a bad hair day !!!

 

I have tried what you have suggested edmbosto, but I can't get the STL file to look like a solid or surfaced model when I open it.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Bruce,

 

Start with new file in X2. Go to Xform | Xform STL and select your file. When it opens up, it will either be shaded or unshaded (depending on your shading settings). If it is still unshaded, you can press Alt + S and that will shade the model.

 

If the entire STL isn't showing up, change the '# Tris' setting to '0', this will display all the triangles.

 

When you go to File | Open and try and open an STL file, it just comes in as a bunch of lines. Using the Xform STL command, or going into the 'Stock setup' tab in Machine Group Properties, are the only two ways to see a shaded STL model in Mastercam.

 

HTH,

[Colin Gilchrist]

To add to what I said, you can create an STL from a solid or surface model in Mastercam, File | Save As | Change save as type to .STL, and you can view the STL with the Xform | STL command.

 

If you are trying to fix or heal the STL file, Mastercam does not have any tools to fix STL models, besides the 'Heal STL' chook. This is automated and gives you no control over the process...

 

If you want software to work with the STL models directly, look into Magics RP. This is awesome software and works with STL files. It has great tools to fix and reduce the number of triangles on a model. It also has a whole set of features for anyone who has a 3D printer and needs to output a file for it. You can generate support pieces, nest multiple STL models together for a single build, and even separate large models into smaller inter-locking pieces so you can glue them together.

 

It is the best tool I have found for working with STL models...

 

HTH,

[Bruce]

Thanks Colin,

 

It's all a lot clearer now. I Have not used magics RP, but did play with the minimagics while trying to sort out these STL files.

Tanks again.

[Greg Williams]

Bruce,

 

There is a very nice freeware tool Here