by Brad Strong | Feb 13, 2017 | 3D Printing, Blog, CAD Translation, Polygonal Output, What's New |
Pre-processing for polygon reduction is possible using polygon facet resolution settings. Since the Polygon Reduction tool starts with a default facet density, it can sometimes be useful to adjust that pre-set facet density to a higher value. More information about the Polygon Reduction tool can be found here. Change Facet Resolution Starting with a sample CAD component, you can select the model with the Single Select tool, or just “Select All”, and right click to get the Change Facet Resolution options (see figure 1): Normal: The lowest resolution option, approximately 27 segments on a cylinder or hole. Medium High: Slightly higher than normal,...
by Brad Strong | Dec 15, 2016 | 3D Printing, Blog, CAD Translation, Polygonal Output |
One question we get regularly at TransMagic is “Can I convert polygonal models to CAD models?”. Well now the answer is yes; as of release 12, TransMagic Expert has the capability to convert polygonal formats to geometric CAD formats. I asked TransMagic’s head of development, Craig Dennis, about this process, as well as some of the benefits and challenges of the Poly to CAD process: Polygonal formats are comprised of triangular polygons vs. the true geometry in CAD files such as spheres, planes, torus, cones, free form surfaces (NURBs), etc. The conversion from true CAD geometry to triangles is very easy (CAD to *.stl); however, the inverse,...
by Brad Strong | May 3, 2016 | 3D Printing, Blog, CAD Repair, CAD Translation, Polygonal Output, What's New
Eleven Techniques to Optimize 3D Printing CAD Files 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes are increasingly being used in to achieve quick turnaround on prototypes and to generate complex models cost effectively in low volume. Preparation of the geometry is the key to getting optimum results with 3D printing. The following techniques can shave hours off of the process of 3D printing CAD files. 1. Watertight Models Designs used for 3D printing need to be watertight solid models. 3D printers pre-process models into very thin horizontal slices of the part. Watertight geometry is necessary for the preprocessing step to avoid errors. Often,...
by Brad Strong | Apr 28, 2016 | 3D Printing, Blog, CAD Translation, Polygonal Output, What's New
Polygon Reduction can have a Huge Impact on Productivity Polygon Reduction allows you to take any CAD or Polygonal model and reduce polygons for downstream uses such as 3D printing, Web parts libraries, animation, game development or other purposes. CAD, or Brep models: Brep (Boundary Representation) models are often incredibly detailed since they are often used to manufacture mechanical parts. Bringing this geometry into a 3d modeling and animation package like Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D or Blender can be difficult due to all the polygons that are generated when the file is saved to a polygonal format. Polygon reduction eases this process immensely, allowing...
by Brad Strong | Mar 23, 2016 | 3D Printing, CAD Translation, CAD Viewing, Polygonal Output
All design & manufacturing companies have the need to view accurate models and access product information. Many departments can benefit from the increased data access, and advanced visualization capabilities. CAD viewing often goes hand-in-hand with the need for publishing and polygonal output. All three core TransMagic products (SUPERVIEW, PRO and EXPERT) are capable of opening and viewing all major 3D CAD formats. Viewing Engineering and Design departments need to be able to view all major CAD formats along with associated MBD/PMI data. Capable CAD Viewing tools can in some cases replace full CAD seats, touting more efficient workflows, less need for...
