topic Re: enlarge stl file?? in PowerMill Forum

enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:44:12 GMT

Hi, Is there a way to make a stl file, for example, 1mm larger with PowerMill or PowerMill modeling? I know it works with PowerShape, but I do not have the necessary PowerShape license.

Re: enlarge stl file??

iamcdn79 — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:50:36 GMT

Yes, you can use the scale option in Powermill

Re: enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:38:11 GMT

hello, thanks first for the answer, but that does not seem to work in mm ...

Re: enlarge stl file??

iamcdn79 — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:46:48 GMT

What happens in mm?

If it is using imperial values convert your value from mm to inches. Ex) 4 mm use .157 or input the value in the box by 4/25.4

Re: enlarge stl file??

richard.pedley — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:47:31 GMT

The scale value box typically uses a proportional value, ie a value of 0.5 in the scale box will half the size of the model, a value of 2 will double it.

The box can also handle expressions, for example, you can enter 14/13 in the box if you wanted to scale something from 13mm high to 14mm high.

Hope that helps

Richard

Re: enlarge stl file??

urizenYHS3W — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:23:34 GMT

Don't use the GUI if you need to scale in all directions. Use the SCALEALL command:
TRANSFORM SCALEVALUE "14/13"

TRANSFORM TYPE SCALEALL TRANSFORM MODEL "my-model-name"

Re: enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 05:58:10 GMT

hello, with the scaling seems to work, but the component is then only at the maximum size of 1mm larger, but I would like it everywhere uniformly 1mm larger, which seems to work with scaling not 100%

Re: enlarge stl file??

craig.chester — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 14:45:28 GMT

Scaling the model will not provide you with a constant offset. Unless your model is super simple, like a sphere 🙂 So I do not believe that this is a viable solution for you.

Can you explain WHY you want to apply a constant offset to the model?

A possible workaround is:

Create a (Bi-Directional raster) toolpath with a 'small' ballnose tool and a THICKNESS equal to your desired offset, perhaps 1mm.
In VIEWMILL, simulate this toolpath
Export your VIEWMILL model to STL

This will create a new STL with your desired offset. It will not be perfect as:

Internal corners will have a minimum radii = tool radius
The model will include 'cusps' generated from the toolpath. So you may want to use a small stepover to control this inaccuracy.

Or................. A very similar method will be:

Create a new STOCK MODEL, ensuring it is big enough to encase the whole part
Create a 'small' ballnose tool
On the stock model > APPLY ACTIVE TOOL LAST - Enter your offset value into the AXIAL and RADIAL thickness
CALCULATE the stock model
EXPORT the stock model as STL

I do not know if this is useful as I don't know WHY you want to do this.

Re: enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 09:03:11 GMT

Our work processes look like this:
Roughing around with 2-3mm oversize, then the components go to harden.
after hardening is finished.
Due to the hardness delay my existing STL in practice no longer true.
Therefore I urgently need the option to enlarge stl files, so to speak inflate

Betreff: enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 10:09:00 GMT

hello together, I just wanted to address this issue again and ask if maybe someone has a solution.

Betreff: enlarge stl file??

craig.chester — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:37:34 GMT

I assume you are not happy with the response I gave earlier? Does this method not work for you?

Betreff: enlarge stl file??

wm_pm — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 10:03:14 GMT

I would like to enlarge a stl file evenly with a certain mm indication. for example 1mm.
when I scale, it is unevenly magnified. only if I have a sphere or a rectangle or something similar would it work with scaling. i have stl dates that are complex, when i scale, i have reached the maximum I want the value i want, but in the contours it is less then. I just want it evenly piled up, which is for example 1mm more material everywhere.