Will this utility allow you to edit/filter large stl files in order to reduce the size of them making them easier for Mastercam to digest?

At my old shop we had one. we used to use Simple Green as a solution. worked well and did not tarnish anything. The nice thing is you can buy it anywhere. Doh! Mike beat me to it.

Jim, Inventor does not seem to support STL files I found a program that just might fit the bill. It's called VIScam Mesh For anyone who wants to check it out: http://www.marcam.de/Eng/default.htm I have not installed it yet but it appears to have all the features I need + and the price tag is just under $1000. I think I can sell that for the 2008 budget

I don't have the solids module or else I would try it your way because the stl's can be a whole lotta headache. I use Inventor for all of my modeling of parts and assemblies and drawing packages so I couldn't justify another solid modeling package. I completely understand where your coming from and also don't feel it's a waste of time to be thorough. I am luckily in a place where they see the value of doing the job once. I would be very much interested in what Verisurf is working on if you could get me in the loop. I would have no problem beta testing either. thanks for the input -Mike

do you guys have trouble with the LARGE stl files? I Have a relatively good system and it really struggles when I get to the 4th or 5th setup. I have one that is 7 setups that was a bear until I got a trial version of Magics RP. When that runs out..... I'm screwed. Most parts don't have that many setups but, when you need it you need it.

The most valuable Mastercam enhancement ever IMHO has been the use of .stl files for verify purposes. Previous to this , It seemed that I was cutting blind to some degree with respect to real life stock on parts with multiple setups. I know a few of you also take advantage of this but how many others out there utilize the feature? As covered before,The only problem I have with it as you move your stock through the operations the .stl file gets bigger and bigger. Eventually it gets very difficult(and slow) for Mastercam to deal with the files. There are .stl editors out there (Magics RP $8,000 an 3Data Expert $1500) that allow you to use triangle reduction to remove excess info and shrink the files considerably (as much as 75%) This cuts processing time considerably. The problem is.... they are targeted for the rapid prototyping market and are extremely cost prohibitive with much more functions than is needed for our little corner of the software market. Any thoughts or solutions? I guess I was just wondering how many others would benefit from either an enhancement from CNC or a software targeted at our market from one of the companies that already has the technology. I just want to see how much need there is out there.

+1000 for Freehand Contour! Definitely worth checking out.

You can download it in the old thread here: http://www.emastercam.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...t=026533#000000

+1000 for freehand contour!

I rolled back before the Windows update. Been fine ever since.

Why not import as wire frame and surfaces? Are you afraid you will lose something in translation? personally, I've had really good luck with it. What is the advantage of importing it as a solid if you don't have solids to manipulate it? I don't have solids. I use Inventor to model everything and prefer to work with surfaces and wire frame for toolpathing so that's how I import my geometry(more control IMHO). Because I have Inventor and it translates perfectly, I see no need for the solids option.

You can also bring your solid in as surfaces and wire frame or convert it after it's imported.

quote: how do you create chains for toolpaths Create/Curves/Create curves on all edges. You don't need solids to do this. quote: how to align a solid model I would guess x-form translate would work, maybe between points after you create your edge curves? Depends on the situation. I have a lathe seat, but NO LATHE that's what I'd do in Mill

I'm late for the show but I got the popcorn!

Ok, I see where that would be helpful and I never knew it was there. I rely mainly on verify with STL files. Backplot doesn't usually prove all that useful to me however there are some circumstances that it's extremely invaluable. I learned something today!

uncheck the Clean up screen, Roger was correct. I tried it here with the option checked and got the "flicker" That option should be labeled "backplot flicker" instead of Cleanup screen. I have to agree, it's annoying. Not sure why anyone would want it.

Just checked. No flicker here. What video card are you running? Maybe a driver update is needed?

You can also activate the keystrokes by first tapping the alt key. you'll know it's activated when you see the underlines in the menu like in the good ol' days.

quote: This forum kind of makes me lazy sometimes. :-) Is that why I never get anything done?

HAAS post fine here too.

Thanks guys. Anybody use any special cutters other than traditional geometry endmills?

Anyone machine this stuff much. The stuff we are going to have to use is the cotton/canvas strand type. Seems a bit like G10 which I've machined a bit years ago. Very abrasive. Anyhow, I was wondering If I can use coolant on it or not. I know it machines into powder so I'm not sure if it is a good Idea. Maybe an air blaster to clear chips(powder) for the tool? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, -Mike

Every HAAS I've run had the rigid option. I thought it was standard. I've never run a Toolroom mill but everything from MiniMill to VF6 had the option . I don't run my taps that fast. It always causes more trouble than it's worth especially if your working on $$$$$ parts. I've never had large enough production runs to make it worth it. I'm almost always been in prototype shops or small run oriented Job shops.

Thanks guys, Dataflute has what I need.

Can anyone recommend a tooling company that supplies relieved tooling like endmills with relieved or reduced shanks. I'm looking for a 3/4 endmill that can cut 3.5 deep without chchchchchatter. Something maybe with a 1-1/2 LOC but extended relieved shank maybe 5.0" OAL. Carbide or High speed steel will do. I've been trying with a Weldon Crestcut end mill but the flutes are just too long and the MiniMill is not rigid enough. I'm just using it for a finish cut in 6061 Al. Thanks,