RE: Multiple Parts saved as One STL file

From: Register (register@rpware.com)
Date: Fri Dec 13 2002 - 19:51:03 EET


Hello Scott

One more software can do this, STL Editor! The command is called
ungroup.

This operation in this program is very simple, You select the object(s),
go up to the modify menu and select the ungroup command. That's it!
Separated or "ungrouped".

Once the parts are ungrouped you can move them away from each other with
the "Pick and Place' command.

You can find this STL Editor at www.rpware.com , It works as a free
viewer and runs in a demo mode until registered. To test this process in
demo mode would require an small set of parts.

If you send the files to me I will see if these files will ungroup, I
can open large files with my registered version.

Ron Barranco RPWare.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi [mailto:owner-rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi] On
Behalf Of Scott Tilton
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 3:41 AM
To: rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
Subject: Multiple Parts saved as One STL file

Hi guys,

I have a STL file of an assembly that was created in SDRC I-DEAS.

The person who did all the design work on it, while still in I-DEAS,
merged all the individual parts into one supposedly solid piece. Then
he exported that merged piece out as an STL file and is asking me to
make a model of it for him.

The problem is that when I go and look at the preview of the laser scans
for each layer, I can clearly see that it is still taking each
individual part of the original assembly and treating it as if it were a
separate element.

Anywhere two of the elements overlap . .. the Sinterstation is actually
going to scan those areas twice (or three times if there are three
objects occupying the same space)

I had the same problem with some architectural models that were sent to
me one time . .and the architect was able unify or merge all the parts
in a different way so they became one completely solid piece.

He was working in some AutoDesk product or another though, so he
couldn't help with IDEAS.

Anyone have any sort of clue how to handle this?

I'd hate to have to resort to exporting everything out in IGES (or some
other format) and then importing it again and finally saving it as an
STL.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Scott Tilton
 



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