Machining STL files with WF5?

[mebill]

Hi All

Can anybody give me some basic pointers on how to move forward with machining a STL file using WF5. I am reasonable competent with machining in gerenal using ProE but the tool does not 'see' the STL file and machines straight through it. The sales pitch indicates it is not a problem to do this but I am at a loss for the moment. I tried to crteate a mill volume and 'cut out' the STL but again ProE did not want to recognise the STL file.

All thoughts welcome.

Thanks

Bill

 

[braatenm]

I have done this by importing the STL to a part file before adding the (part) model as a ref model. Hope this helps.

 

[proone]

Everytime I try stl file in 4.0 still sees the who part as one surface and impossoble to work with. I don't think make a .prt file will help but will try again

Regards;

Chris

 

[Atropos89]

You could try solidifying the stl first, but I suspect you tried this/it won't work. Any chance you could get a .stp or .igs?

 

[dbrainsky]

Without reviewingthe database it is hard to tell where the problem may be. Are you using a mill window to define where the geometry is?

 

[Moroso]

The stl file is a polymesh surface, it has to be converted to a nurb surface

 

[jaweijtmans]

gents,

depending on the quality of the stl file there are only 3 stategies you can use.
Basically an stl file is not a volume model. So you can not refer to things like depth upto or surface or volume.
The only stategies you can use are roughing, re-roughing and finisheing.
Those functions will be able to machine on an stl file.
The machine area will be based on a reference window.

If you still have problem it would be a lot better to convert the stl (teselated surfaces) into a surface model. Either by a reverse engineering software (rapidform) or by the REX module from PTC itself.

J.

 

[mebill]

Hi All

The solution was to use the Rough, Re-Rough and Finishing sequences. I had not had the need to venture into these areas in the past. But with STL this seem the way to go.
Many thanks

Bill

 

[seth505]

Yes, Roughing/Reroughing are designed to be able to machine STL files.