Solids and level 1

[T. Boone]

Does the solids option have to be installed in level one to be able to use a Solidworks model. I have level one x3 and am trying to flip and rotate a model to achieve the right orientation.

[Thad]

Not sure about the SW end of it, but you need solids in MC to rotate, translate, or alter a solid.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Thad

[iowajim62]

I believe you need to position the model in SW and then import. If you don't have solids it will come in as surfaces.

 

Welcome to the Forum

[Hardmill]

quote:

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I believe you need to position the model in SW and then import. If you don't have solids it will come in as surfaces.

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Itll actually come in as a solid too.

You just cant move or manipulate it.

 

 

PEACE

[Guest]

quote:

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Does the solids option have to be installed in level one to be able to use a Solidworks model. I have level one x3 and am trying to flip and rotate a model to achieve the right orientation.

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No, you can import a Solid without the solids license. However, to move or modify a solid you MUST have the Solids license.

 

If you do not have the Solids License you can use the WCS to move an origin TO the solid.

 

Otherwise you can bring it in as surfaces and move them.

[T. Boone]

So in other words, picking toolpath off a solid is only possible if the solids option is installed. Is there anyway around this?

[Hardmill]

Create-curve-all edges

 

 

PEACE

[#Rekd™]

Hey T.Boone,

 

As Hardmill and J.P have suggested. Bring it in as surfaces and create curve on all edges. You can then use 2d toolpaths or surface rough and surface finish toolpaths to complete your job.

 

I prefer surfaces over solids for toolpaths.

 

John

[Hardmill]

quote:

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As Hardmill and J.P have suggested. Bring it in as surfaces

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He can still bring in as a solid also.

 

 

PEACE

[3R!< W3NG3R]

quote:

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So in other words, picking toolpath off a solid is only possible if the solids option is installed. Is there anyway around this?

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No, this is not true. As they said above, you can bring it in and use it to toolpath with. If it is not oriented the right way, you have to use WCS to move and orient the origin to the part because you can't x-form it without the solids add on.

 

To chain from a solid directly, you have to hit the 'solids' button on the chain manager (beside the 'wireframe' button at the top)

 

I prefer wireframe geom myself.

 

HTH

[T. Boone]

Thank you everyone for the tips. I am new to solids and am looking forward to learning how to use them for toolpath. How do I bring in a solid as surfaces as Hockey Guy suggests? Is a solid from Solidworks brought in as a different format as default? I guess the bottom line is I need the solids option to be productive.

[Thad]

quote:

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How do I bring in a solid as surfaces as Hockey Guy suggests?

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File-Open, select the file with a single click, then click Options.

 

You're better off bringing in the solid, creating edge curves and surfaces from the solid, then deleting the solid if you don't want it. Curves from surfaces usually suck.

 

Thad

[Cannon]

quote:

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I guess the bottom line is I need the solids option to be productive.

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You can be productive without is also. There really is no need to rotate the model anymore when we have WCS. Learn to use it and be productive.

[3R!< W3NG3R]

I do lots of 3d work here without the solids add on.

 

Wcs is my friend.

 

You can set the solids import defaults to bring it in as a solid or as surfaces. It will automatically convert it for you when you open the file.

 

You can also set the config to add edge curves at the same time.

 

its all in Settings >> config >> converters >> solid import.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

quote:

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Wcs is my friend.

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AMEN brudduh!

[Jayson Kramer]

Learn the WCS and you will be able to use the solid to program and cut with.

 

Review this link to a topic I put some info on planes and WCS.

 

http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...3092;p=1#000027

[Mike Gates from Barefoot CNC]

Thanks for helping Tim. I talked with him this morning, I think he is on track now. I was at a show Friday so I couldn't get with him but as usual you all are on the ball.

 

It' great to be able to send people here for help when we're out of touch for some reason.