Solids to Surfaces

[Kevin Goddard]

Do you have to have the solids add on to be able to convert solids to surfaces. We are running Mill V8.1.1 and can not get in touch with our local reseller today. Thanks in advance.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

When you import the solid model, if you do not have solids you will get trimmed NURBS Surfaces.

[Kevin Goddard]

How can I break this surface? It was imported from Solidworks.

[Trevor Bailey]

What do you mean by "break". When you import the file using the ".X_T" convertor, it will automatically create surfaces. Once you have done this, you can manipulate the surfaces.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Usually to break a surface, I'll create a duplicate of the surface to be broken, then create a curve to break the suface to, then trim one half, then the other half. But Moldplus does a much better job of this and it's more efficient.

 

JM2C

[Kevin Goddard]

I do not seem to be able to modify the surface. I have little experience working with surfaces and all I have for reference is the Mill/Design Applications Guide. I guess it is time to study some more. Thanks for your patience.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

You'll beed to create a boundary that extends past both ends of a/the surface then you can do Modify, Trim, Surface, to Curve, The Curve will be your chain. Pick your surface(s) then click on the side you want to KEEP, then Do It.

[P_Scott]

Kevin,

 

To "break" a surface into two separate surfaces using an imaginary "break" line, try the Split command from the Modify-Trim-Surface menu. Split is a real quick way to get two surfaces from one long one. You can split it going either the long way or the across way of the surface. Move the base of the arrow to an approximate center point on the surface and click "Flip" if the direction of cut (along or across surface) is not the desired direction. I do this all the time when I need to trim a flat top surface that is on both sides of an intersecting surface. HTH

[Kevin Goddard]

Peter, that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks to all for your help. This is a great resource.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Peter that's a cool feature. I showed that today to a guy in my shop taking MC at a local CC.

 

Man I enjoy this place.

 

Thanks again,

[P_Scott]

Kevin,

 

Glad I could help. I've always admired the simpler, less well-known aspects of Mastercam.

 

James,

 

"Learn something new every day". That's a motto I try to live by but take one step further. Teach something new to someone every day. In teaching, we learn. Maybe "Ask Jeeves" knows where the "fishing" quote comes from.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Ask Jeeves is where I found the quote. I went to about 10 sites with the quote but could not find out who to give props to. Alas I did pass it on though to one person. In a few weeks I'll be passing it on to 20 people. I do learn something new every day. Life would be way too boring to just sit back and say "I know enough already".

 

Thanks again,

 

James