Optimize STL triangles on output.

vhubbard · 2006-11-06 16:25:30

When Vericut generates stl files from cut stock, the triangles are not optimized. Hundreds to thousands of small triangles are used for one large flat surface. The result is the .stl file from Vericut is up to hundreds of times bigger than a comparable .stl file from a CAD system. In some cases the .stl file is un-usable in other software. When it works it can take an extreme amount of time and memory.

.stl file generation from Vericut needs to generate a more optimal, usable .stl file.

BillH · 2006-11-06 18:06:04

Val,
We've had STL output for awhile in VERICUT. Yes, it produces bazillions of triangles, regardless of the topology. Ok, maybe not bazzillions, I haven't counted them explicitly, but lots. This is because of the nature of VERICUT's cut stock model. As you have probably guessed by now, a VERICUT cut stock is not your ordinary CAD model. If it were, then CAD solid modelers could be used for cutting simulation and we'd be out of a job. So far, they can't.

Turns-out doing what you're asking for is not trivial. We've invested over 20 man-years trying to produce a reasonable CAD-friendly model from a cutting simulation. We've investigated everything, from a faceted B-Rep (the basis for STL), to bounded faces, to surface patches, and other forms. We have had some success, but have not solved this very difficult problem in a robust and general way.

We will continue to invest our expertise and engineering resources towards this goal, as we envision VERICUT's production of a CAD-friendly version of the cut stock as a logical "closing the loop" in the machining process.

Regards,
Bill

p-cnc · 2007-02-26 13:39:29

------
If it were, then CAD solid modelers could be used for cutting simulation and we'd be out of a job. So far, they can't.
------

They are coming soon, check it out

http://www.camaix.net/c-hook_downloads_v10.html

P

BillH · 2007-02-26 15:47:28

Not sure what the above post has to do with this thread. The link seems to point to some MCAM add on stuff from CAMAIX and unrelated to this thread.

Seems more like an advertisement than a discussion topic.

DaveF · 2007-12-21 18:39:03

Val

I found that if you save a cut stock (VCT), and than load that as stock, press play one time to get a cut stock, and than make an stl file out of that, than insetad of getting a bazillions of triangles, you only get quarktillions of triangles, a 90 percent reduction.

I used vcblock, from samples.
.010 cutting tolerance v6.12
1st save of STL, 598,915 kb
2nd save of STL from VCT, 57,843 kb ( earth units, old joke don't ask)

I also found the output was in MM :? , even if i requested output in inches
I called that into support.

Merry Xmas everyone
Dave

VERICUT Users' Forum

#1 2006-11-06 16:25:30

Optimize STL triangles on output.

#2 2006-11-06 18:06:04

Re: Optimize STL triangles on output.

#3 2007-02-26 13:39:29

Re: Optimize STL triangles on output.

#4 2007-02-26 15:47:28

Re: Optimize STL triangles on output.

#5 2007-12-21 18:39:03

Re: Optimize STL triangles on output.

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