Fusion
This is a subject most beginners start with because they are able to download these files from web but working with them in Fusion is anything but fun, but here is something to get you going.
Link to explain how to convert file from stl to step format using FreeCAD, it works most of the times I tried.
https://www.bantamtools.com/blog/convert-stl-to-step
After you get step file, there are still tedious processes to get things done in Fusion. In order to get 2D contour done, I projected faces onto plane, results in purple sketsc, I saved as DXF, deleted sketch, started new one on same plane, imported DXF file, deleted all unneeded lines and locked the sketch then used it as drive curve for 2D contour.
I patched the holes to keep tool from dipping into them for 3D operations, if there is a better way I am not aware of it as dealing with stl files has never been part of my work requirements or personal interest.
The 3D mesh is almost 135 inches long!
That being said, if you want to make a CNC milling program for this part you need very high-end knowledge of CNC.
I was trying to program a very simple 3D adaptive clearing with a very common roughing tool (1 inch DIA end mill) and cycle time is going to be around 19 hours to clean a small portion of your geometry.
That's the reason your computer takes hours to process that part.
Double-check dimensions in your Thinker CAD model and try to put the model in a reasonable size to create milling tool paths.
@Anonymous STL models are unitless and this STL model will have been exported from tinkercad in a format for 3d printing where the standard is mm. So the part is 135mm, about 5".
@Anonymous You can do the conversion from Mesh to Brep is Fusion and also do some simplification. Screencast below.
Mark
Mark Hughes
Owner, Hughes Tooling
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@chriscook77 Although this job is probably easier done from a converted mesh you can machine direct from a mesh. This might come in useful for more organic shapes with a high number of mesh faces. Not sure working on a straight mesh to Brep is a good idea without simplification. The 3d CAM OPs convert the model back to a mesh so you have a mesh converted to a brep converted back to a mesh!
File attached using @Anonymous procedure, just need to use 3d contour instead of 2d.
Mark
Mark Hughes
Owner, Hughes Tooling
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@seth.madore I've noticed sometimes 3d contour doesn't create the correct leads on bottom pass and this mesh file shows one example.
If I create 2 passes I get the leads I'd expect.
Same linking settings but one pass and there are no horizontal leads. Attached file has both OPs.
Mark
Mark Hughes
Owner, Hughes Tooling
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I think I discovered the other way before this was implemented in Fusion and not being something I do at all I am now trying to catch up.
Here is my attempt to merge too many faces, almost crashed Fusion 😁
Please consider using the original mesh from @chriscook77 (file name is henryC02 222Car.stl)
I clearly understand about unitless models and I want to help @chriscook77 to define a nice workflow for his students.
That being said a have a couple more questions:
- Can students start modeling directly in Fusion 360 instead of Tinker CAD?
- Can students access to "send Tinkercad to fusion" option? This option sends the 3D model directly to Fusion 360 instead of creating a STL
- The manufacture target is to 3D print or CNC milling this 3D mesh?
I totally agree that Fusion 360 does not request to touch the 3D mesh if you are well skilled to program a tool path directly from STL files so, I disagree with @Anonymous suggestion to convert to STEP file using 3rd party software. Fusion is powerful enough to handle this.
@Anonymous wrote:
Please consider using the original mesh from @chriscook77 (file name is henryC02 222Car.stl)
Sorry thought I did. Did you upload through the data panel? The data panel assumes all unitless file are in CM so you will get crazy sizes that way. If you have a document open in Fusion set to mm then use Insert Mesh the STL comes in at 303.6mm
Mark
Mark Hughes
Owner, Hughes Tooling
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@Anonymous wrote:
- Can students access to "send Tinkercad to fusion" option? This option sends the 3D model directly to Fusion
What do you get using the transfer method? Is it still a mesh or do you get a Nurbs model?
Mark
Mark Hughes
Owner, Hughes Tooling
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Thanks for pointing that.
My default units in Fusion 360 are inches and I've found that it is not necessary to change your default units. Just using the unit type option in the insert command is good enough.
I think the best option to avoid confusion in units is to send the model from TinkerCad to Fusion 360.
That being said, the first step on his workflow for his students is to warn them about units before importing an STL file into Fusion 360.
Question to @chriscook77 :
Is this workflow a better option for your students? or Do you prefer to use the FreeCad software to convert the 3D mesh to a STEP file?
Hi @chriscook77
Now I understand the issues you have with your workflow...
After following @HughesTooling suggestion to import the STL file using the right choice of units, I was able to create tool paths directly from the STL file.
There's one more trick: I've realized that you have to create an auxiliary solid body for the stock's geometry.
Attached is my Fusion file with the milling tool paths from your original 3D STL file mesh. No needs to use a 3rd party software to convert the mesh.
Hey @Anonymous : Intention is not to start a WW3 as you said. I insist that Fusion 360 is powerful enough to handle this. We just need to dig into the software to find the best workflow.
Let me tell you something: I have learned a lot with this 3D mesh issue, and now I have some cool ideas to put into action in our company.
I'm still curious about the issue with the "send to Fusion" command.
@chriscook77 : Could you share your TinkerCAD file? I would like to give it a try to send it to Fusion...
Hi @chriscook77
You uploaded the STL file again. I've already had the STL file.
I'm asking you if we can access to your design using the "collaborate option" from TinkerCAD.
Here's the workflow on TinkerCAD:
1. Open the model
2. Once the model is open and ready to edit, go to the upper right corner and left to your login Icon click on the plus sign (invite people to design with you)
3. The "collaborate" option appears. Click on the "copy link" button.
4. Go back to this thread and paste the link, so we can access your design and try to use the "send to Fusion option"