Re: STL from AME

From: Michael Brindley
To: Alan Craigie (Alberta Research Council)
Cc: RP-ML
Date: Thursday, June 15, 1995
Subject: Re: STL from AME 
AME 2.1 under AutoCAD R12 had serious problems producing STL files for all
but the simplest objects.  STL output was a "bonus" feature of R12/AME 2.1,
and not supported.  In one instance, the resulting STL file was missing
several complete chunks (the single object was now in several, unconnected,
floating pieces).  You can try playing with the wire density setting in
the ddsolvar dialog box; this sometimes helps.

R13 (which uses the ACIS kernal for solid geometry) is better at 
producing STL files (and it is now supported, so if you bought your
software, call AutoDesk and talk to them about your problems).  
However, it still has problems making vertices match up; these holes
are generally small, but significant.

I also have had problems converting AME solids to R13.  The ameconvert
command runs to completion with no errors, but if you try to select
the object, it is not a solid (it appears to be a surface representation).
Sometimes, it seems to sort of work.  My best guess is that with
AME convert, you often get a wirefram surface 'on top' of the solid.
If you use the feature for choosing different objects which are at
the same location, you may be able to select the solid (it won't be
obvious on the screen).  This is only a guess, as I gave up on trying
to convert AME objects to R13.  

Make sure you have and have applied any updates.  I believe there has
been at least one for R13.

  --> Mike Brindley