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#1 2008-01-31 18:39:53
- vhubbard
- Beta User
- From: Dallas, TX
- Registered: 2004-11-11
- Posts: 222
- Website
Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
Allow the use of .stl files to define the cutter shape also. Primarily for milling cutters Why?
Our world is 3d, we can make .stl files faster than .dxf.
We can automate tool assembly definitions using .stl files
We already have many of the our special cutter forms done in the cad system and can easily export them to .stl
Users want it.
Use note Flute length would still be defined by a distance setting as it is now.
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#2 2008-01-31 22:49:36
- DaveF
- Senior Member
- From: Valencia, CA
- Registered: 2005-08-20
- Posts: 304
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
That is a good Idea, BUT.
I think that the extra time taken to make the profile, is more accurate than a stl, and the SOR has less.... overhead?
I am not sure on this.
I need a CGTech Guru to respond with the real scoop.
perhaps the interface, creates good vericut cutters.
I have not tried that.
Dave
Dave Frank
Aerospace Dynamics International, PCC
Valencia Ca
"Where else can you have this much fun,.......and get paid???."
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#3 2008-01-31 23:43:59
- SergeV
- Senior Member
- From: Irvine, CA
- Registered: 2004-10-08
- Posts: 507
- Website
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
The reason we do not support STL models for cutters, is that the STL is an approximative faceted representation. The resulting revolved shape (for milling) would not be accurate. The radius would be made of multiple segments (more or less depending on the tolerance of the STL). The loss of accuracy is acceptable for a holder but the cutter needs to be precise to generate accurate features as it removes material. With a cutter from an STL, you would not be able to get cylinder in the bottom of your pocket, you would get a bunch of planes because it is what a faceted profile would generate.
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#4 2008-02-01 13:58:04
- vhubbard
- Beta User
- From: Dallas, TX
- Registered: 2004-11-11
- Posts: 222
- Website
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
The reason we do not support STL models for cutters, is that the STL is an approximative faceted representation. The resulting revolved shape (for milling) would not be accurate. The radius would be made of multiple segments (more or less depending on the tolerance of the STL). The loss of accuracy is acceptable for a holder but the cutter needs to be precise to generate accurate features as it removes material. With a cutter from an STL, you would not be able to get cylinder in the bottom of your pocket, you would get a bunch of planes because it is what a faceted profile would generate.
OK I change my request to a step file. That is our real desire, accuracy. No problems with tessalation in a step file. Also update the holders at the same time to use step files.
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#5 2008-02-04 06:26:47
- Svante
- Senior Member
- From: Trollhättan, Sweden
- Registered: 2005-02-23
- Posts: 60
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
I agree with vhubbard - to use step-files as cutters should help me a lot.
Svante Eriksson
System owner
GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Sweden
Vericut 7.2.1, 7.3.4, 7.4 - NX 9.0.3
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#6 2008-04-09 16:54:52
- m74uk
- Senior Member
- Registered: 2005-09-18
- Posts: 25
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
Look at Tool Number 2 from the Makino A55 project from the Showroom. This is made with a ".stk" extension.
What is the source of that file.
M74UK (Scotland)
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#7 2008-04-09 20:59:29
- SergeV
- Senior Member
- From: Irvine, CA
- Registered: 2004-10-08
- Posts: 507
- Website
Re: Cutters defined from STEP (was .stl) files
it's a typo, it is a STL.
VERICUT recognizes the file type from its content and not the file extension.
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