working with an STL, need suggestions

[uGlay]

I am working with an STL model. I need to create parts and assemblies inside the STL model, however I know you really cant do much with an "STL Graphic" so my question is, how would I go about converting this item into a workable model?

Any help from past experience would be greatly appreciated.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[uGlay]

Just to clarify, and add some more information to the query, I will not be using the model to mate against it or to attach parts to it. It is simply a carcass for the project we are making. If I could get the entire thing split into surfaces that would be the ideal outcome.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[rollupswx]

Did you click Options when opening and try to get a solid?

My guess is that it will be too complicated and the stl is faceted planar faces anyhow, so about the best you can do is use it as background reference geometry.

I've heard there is smoothing software out there, not sure what the output format is. Never seen it myself.

 

[Theophilus]

You may need to use the part as a mere visual reference in rebuilding the part. I'm not sure you can actually model a feature in the context of an STL file import or not. If not, start a new part in an assembly and use the STL file as a rough visual reference to build the new part file.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.

 

[uGlay]

I am trying to get other formats.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[uGlay]

I have received it in DXF and DWG formats. I can open it in ACAD but SW runs out of juice and crashes.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[uGlay]

OKAY. The file is being made in 3Dstudio. I did a search online and found a couple of different plug-ins for SW that will allow me to import the file. The only thing is that the websites are blocked by the web filter...

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[Theophilus]

IT department at its most productive...

If you get the import software to function, I'd like to hear how it works in terms of creating more usable models.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.

 

[bavfean]

I actually just had this same problem. There are a couple things you can try.

1) when opening, go to options and specify un-knitted surfaces(depending on how complex the graphic is, this may work)

2) use a secondary program to convert the stl to a nuber type file (IGES, ACIS, STEP ect.)
----when i had this problem i ended up converting it through Hypermesh as well as Rhino (Rhino worked better for me)


If you are just using this as a template, open surfaces should work fine even with gaps and imperfections


Junior Engineer
Friedman Research Corp.

 

[uGlay]

Okay I got the plug-in here

http://www.pcdistrict.com/3ds-import-for-solidworks-prod17865.html

installed it and imported the 3DS file, it is now in SW just the way I wanted it, which is awesome. great success!

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator

 

[MechatroPro]

to convert STL data into A solid or surface model, use the scanto3d add-in,inside solidworks. you will be able to extract curves and build surfaces or solids and build a "workable model"

 

[uGlay]

Hey guys i ended up getting the file in its native format of 3DS (3dstudio max) downloaded the

http://www.sycode.com

plug-in and was able to convert the file into a part. The surfaces are all usable and I am already laying down reference planes like a madman. thanks for the direction and the ENG-TIPS.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot/SpaceNavigator