How to convert a Maya file for use in Unigraphics (for CNC pantograph purpose)? 2

[CaptainBigVinny]

Our artist uses Maya for 3D modeling and our factory vendor uses Unigraphics for CNC pantograph. We are trying to figure out how to convert the Maya file into useable format for the Unigraphics program.

Here is a scenario...

We converted the Maya file into .stl file. Unigraphics can load and view the 3D models. But we cannot manipulate the files (e.g. change the scale), convert to Unigraphics format or CNC pantograph the model.

Any insight will be appreciated. =D

BigVinny

 

[cowski]

Explore the other options Maya has for exporting parts. In order of preference, look for [ol][li]parasolid[/li][li]STEP[/li][li]IGES[/li][/ol]

http://www.nxjournaling.com

 

[jerry1423]

I didn't find much when I looked up "Maya", but it appears that you can do a "polyline" export in it, which will work fine for 2D work, and it imports well into NX.

 

[CaptainBigVinny]

More info =D

The Unigraphics we are using is NX 7.5 64bit
File formats it supports:
.prt
.stp
.step
.igs
.iges
.x_t

We found that there is a plugin for Maya called Direct Connect which supports some additional formats, here is a link on the supported formats:

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Alias/enu/2012/Help/0467-Direct_C467/0469-What_is_469/0470-Supporte470

But we have been unable to export an IGES or a DWG that is not corrupted.

UGS NX has an additional license fee so we have not been able to try that yet.

Maya can import a STEP file but it cannot export in that format.

 

[SDETERS]

Do you have access to any other SOftware? Solidworks? PRo-e? If so maybe you can imorpt that IGES file into one of these prorgrams? Then export out a step and or parasolid. Also have you tried different IGES settings, options in NX?

 

[JohnRBaker]

NX allows you to DIRECTLY open, with the appropriate translator licenses, a large number of different file formats:

There are also many file formats which you can, again with the appropriate licenses, import into an existing NX part file:

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

UG/NX Museum:

http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[pamakela]

Hi,

Maya supports many different geometry types and if I were working on something that is going to be machined, my choice is easy: work in NURBS, never with polygon geometry. Even though there is a way of converting pure polygon data into surfaces, I would not take this route.

Maya can then export Iges format files if the source data is curves/surfaces. I've never done it myself but I assume NX can, after Iges import, manipulate the geometry and store it in .stl format.

 

[markrief]

Just to clarify, you can import the .stl file in to NX, which creates facet bodies. Then you can use NX CAM to produce CNC tool paths.

I think the limitation is how much editing you can do on a facet body.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM