Help? DXF to STL

[Josh Rayburn]

Anyone have a recommendation for a program I could use (preferably free) to convert this ISO30 toolholder dxf file into a stl to work in e-cabs?
Thanks in advance,
jnr

[Kerry Fullington]

Josh,

I use Accutrans 3D
It is just $20

I couldn't open your dxf with accutrans or Intellicad or deltacad

[Josh Rayburn]

Kerry, does Accutrans 3d open IGES files too?

[Kerry Fullington]

Josh,

Accutrans doesn't read or write iges files. I have never run across the iges format. What are you getting them from. You could open them in AutoCad and export as a 3ds.

[Josh Rayburn]

Kerry, I've only got AutoCad LT which does not do 3d - I created that file in BobCad and just saved it off as a DXF. IGES is one of the most popular 3d file formats so I'm told, but I haven't had any experience with IEGS files myself. I do very little in 3d if not working in ecabs. Whole different ballgame.
Well anyhow, what other file formats does Accutrans read? Would it read a Rhino file - .3dm by any chance?

[Kerry Fullington]

Josh,

HERE is a link to the files Accutrans reads and writes.

Kerry

[Josh Rayburn]

Cool, thanks Kerry.
I'm still too cheap to buy it just to entertain myself with having an ISO tool holder that I can render in my new toolholder cabinet though...
Next time the need arises (the need, not just the want) I'll surely purchase Accutrans based on your good review
Thanks again!
jnr

[Kerry Fullington]

Josh,

I would convert it for you but there is nothing there when I open your file.
Have tried Via Cad, Intellicad, Accutrans, DeltaCad, and Alibre and there is nothing there. (your zip file is only 407 bytes)
If you can verify the file and send it to me or post it here I will convert it for you.

Kerry

[Josh Rayburn]

Hi Kerry,
Thanks - I tried to convert it from a solid to lines - don't know if this makes a difference....I appreciate the offer - let me know if this one works?
Thanks!
jnr

[Kerry Fullington]

Josh,

I am still no help. When I try to convert either of your files using Accutrans or ViaCad I get an error no meshe objects displayed. Your line drawing is 3D but has no surface meshes. Where did you get the drawing?

Kerry

[Josh Rayburn]

Hi Kerry,
I drew it myself - I measured one of my toolholders, drew the outer profile, then wrapped it around the center to make the solid.
I extracted the edges on the last one to attempt to get some simple geometry into the file in case that was helpful, but apparently not...
It must have been a problem with the way I created it - but I don't know what else to try...
Thanks for trying again - if you have another tip for creating it in the first place, I'll give it another go -
jnr

[George Davidson]

Here it is in a STL all one pice

[Josh Rayburn]

George -
You da man!!
Thanks very much, and thank you Kerry for trying! Much appreciated!
jnr

[Audrey Racine]

Hello!

If you are using Autocad this can help you. juste write "stlout" and follow what is written and things will be fine!

Audrey

[Dennis Englert]

Let's not forget that you could've created that with a Display Cube. Draw the profile in the Shape Manager. Then go to the Part Editor, cut the display cube into a cylinder and then sweep the profile around the cylinder. Give it a finish/texture in the Display Part Editor.

No extra programs required. Since you'd already drawn the profile in either AutoCad LT or BobCad you could've created a tool profile with it in the Shape Manager.

Later,

Dennis