converting 3d drawings to .stl files

[Sanne03]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. Just wondering if there is anyone who might know how to troubleshoot some problems I'm having changing an autocad file into an .stl file. For some reason, autocad does not seem to recognize the 3d shapes as a solid shape. I need this to be .stl for a CNC shop, so that it can be made into a concrete form... kind of a weird project. Any help is appreciated!

[Cad64]

What errors are you receiving? What is Autocad telling you?

 

One thing to remember when converting from .dwg to .stl is that your entire model must be in the positive X, Y, Z quadrant.

[Sanne03]

That was the original error message, was that it was not in the positive xyz quadrant, but we have managed to get that message to go away and now its saying that it does not detect any objects... I will have to investigate what the actual error message is, at another computer, but basically when we select our 3d drawing (which to us is showing as one object) it doesn't change it... not sure if it says no objects selected or just no objects converted. Thanks for your speedy response, by the way. I really really appreciate it.

[Cad64]

Your Autocad model will not change. What you are doing is Exporting your model out to an .stl file which will be saved somewhere on your computer. Check your "Save In" location for an .stl file.

[Sanne03]

Hey, thanks for your help so far. I think I've figured out how to get most of my drawings into .stl Just have one more that is not in the positive xyz octant, which is frustrating. This is slightly off topic from the original thread, but I forgot that the CNC machine that is working on this project can only handle detail to as deep as 1.5in - 2in... so does anyone know how to make a 3d shape into slices?

[MaxwellEdison]

Not to sound snarky, but have you tried the slice command?

[Cad64]

What kind of machine are you working on?

 

I'm not sure how Slicing the model will help in getting it machined? Can you post a screenshot of the model?

[Sanne03]

here are the end caps, which I think are already at 1.5" thick... I'm trying to upload the other one...

concrete_end_cap.DWG

[Sanne03]

the other file is too big, but I will try to downsize it....

[Sanne03]

I have not tried the slice command... is the prompt just "slice"? Its been awhile since I've done anything like this in autoCAD, so thanks again for everyone's patience with me

[Sanne03]

I guess I have to slice the model to get the most detail from the machine... since I'm opting to have the model carved from medium density fiberboard to create a mold to pour concrete into. I guess the shop guy can only use a certain type of drill bit for certain depths of detail.

[MaxwellEdison]

The command input is just slice. Basically it will cut your object along a plane described by 2 points along its edge and extending in the z-axis. You then choose which side you want to keep, or keep both sides. Similar results can be obtained with boolean operators (subtract, intersection). For more information, consult your friendly neighborhood help file!

[Cad64]

I guess the shop guy can only use a certain type of drill bit for certain depths of detail.

 

This is true, to an extent. If you need to get small diameter milling tools down into that pocket to machine out the design, there are special extended toolholders that can be purchased that will allow you to get your tool down to the material surface. Slicing your model will not help the machine, or the machinist to cut the part.

[shift1313]

The only time i have ever needed to convert to stl file was to send a drawing out for 3d printing. dwg,dxf or iges files are what i use in house or send out.

 

it seems a bit odd that the mill can only go to 2". I use 4" + end mills on a regular basis, and since you are cutting wood i dont see this being a problem.

 

when using the SLICE command just type it in, then follow the prompts. it will ask you for a reference plane and a point, or 3 points. I either use 3 defining points on an object, or i use one of the standard planes like XY or ZX etc. then enter a coordinate on this plane. It will prompt you at the end to keep Both sides.