topic I figured it out. Thanks in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

STP file conversion

Anonymous — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:32:00 GMT

Hello All,

I'm a complete noob to Fusion and have run into a problem that I'm hoping someone might help me solve.

I understand that this may not have a solution or my skill may keep me from accomplishing what I wish, but here it is.

I got an STP file from a company for an accessory that I would like to modify for my personal use.

I didn't have a problem importing and opening the file. The issue is that I can't alter the piece.

I am trying to delete portions of the object so that I can add a modified area, but I can't seem to get it to work.

I am aware that I am probably doing something wrong, but I just want to make sure that it is me and not the file.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate the assistance.

Thank you.

Re: STP file conversion

buymeanapple — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 22:45:38 GMT

I am not a super advanced user but I have run into the exact same issue and was able to figure out that there really isn't a way to edit an STL file in Fusion. The best way to edit the STL would be to use a tool like meshmixer (http://www.meshmixer.com/). You can import it there and do simple things like removing sections or editing them slightly. Editing an STL is a pain in the butt. If someone else here knows of a better way I would love to hear.

Hope this helps!

Re: STP file conversion

JDMather — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 23:06:53 GMT

@buymeanapple wrote:

.... there really isn't a way to edit an STL file in Fusion.

stl and stp are two very different file types.

Re: STP file conversion

JDMather — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 23:08:05 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

I got an STP file ...

, but I just want to make sure that it is me and not the file.

If anyone has any suggestions, ....

Can you zip and attach your *.stp file here?

Re: STP file conversion

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 00:33:23 GMT

I've attached the file.

I am trying to alter the center section that contains the script.

I need to expand the section to accommodate some electronics.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Re: STP file conversion

TheCADWhisperer — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:38:43 GMT

How much CAD training/experience do you have?

Editing this file is not a beginner level endeavor.

Are you familiar with Split body and Move Body? Combine?

Looking at the part from text right reading -

do you need to expand left to right

or from top to bottom?

How much do you need to expand?

Are you familiar with direct editing tools?

Can you request that the source edit the file?

Can you attach the original Pro/E file?

Re: STP file conversion

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:47:16 GMT

I have very little training and experience. I presented the issue only to confirm that what I would like to accomplish is possible.

If it is possible, I will, hopefully with some tips from the forum, learn how to make the changes.

I am looking to "pull" the middle section out from its original plane in order to create a cavity in which to mount additional electronics.

This is and will be the only file that I have is available for this project.

Thanks

Re: STP file conversion

cekuhnen — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:03:38 GMT

@Anonymous

Oh boy - well you learn through practice.

Fortunately the direct modeling in Fusion is pretty solid.

If you need help we could meet on Skype to give you some directions

and get you running.

Re: STP file conversion

jrinad70 — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:40:39 GMT

Go to this link and select the video "Using Direct Modeling in Fusion 360 to Take Your Models to the Next Level". It's the 4th video down.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/post-your-tips-and-tutorials/autodesk-university-class-recordings-now-available/td-p/6750014

Re: STP file conversion

TheCADWhisperer — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:47:21 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

...confirm that what I would like to accomplish is possible.

I would say possible, but very challenging for a beginner.

In the attached file I have split away an end (I didn't take the time to calculate a distance to duplicate existing design repetition).

(and I did cut through the center of two cylindrical bosses that would have to be replaced)

I would fill in the missing volume following the same geometry representation in the original (unless you need a specific dimension that would require "stretching or compressing" existing patterns.

Mirror to other side (after splitting other side.

Combine to put it all back together again.

If you don't need the text - then the entire process might be simplified a bit.

Edit: Rather than editing the original - this one might be a good example to reverse engineer and create from scratch using your required dimensions. It would give you good practice and probably be easier than editing for a beginner.

Re: STP file conversion

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:07:49 GMT

Thanks for your help on this. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Also, thanks to jrinad70 for the video link.

I figured it out. Thanks

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:46:05 GMT

Don't know if you guys are still monitoring this thread, but I want to share the result of my inquiry.

There are a few finishing touches, but the basic design that I wanted to accomplish is done.

Thanks again to all who helped

Re: I figured it out. Thanks

JDMather — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 22:00:53 GMT

Well, that is not at all what I thought you were after - that should have been a very easy modification.

If you could include some sort of sketch on your image next time - it might help understand the design intent.

Raise the center section might have been a better word description.