CAD Systems
Rapid Prototyping is possible through a number of CAD formats, so long as the appropriate protocol is observed. Below, you can find a summary of some of the available packages, as well as other relevant programs and files used throughout this database.
Solid Modelers
| I-DEAS | AutoCAD | Pro/ENGINEER | Parasolid |
Rapid Prototyping Interface Software
| QuickSlice | MAESTRO |
File Format: Types and Extensions
| .dxf | .iges | .sat | .ps | .gif | .jpg | .xmt | .step | .neu | .prt |
| .STL | .SLC | .SML | .mf | .L, .PRM, .R, .V |
I-DEAS is a 3D solid modeling design and simulation tool developed by SDRC. It is the primary source of the models that we are using with our Rapid Prototyping processes. The Dynamic Navigator feature makes the system easy to use, and with a host of features, it is possible to create, simulate, optimize, document, build, and test a model all within a single electronic environment. In particular, its ability to develop NC toolpaths and machining parameters is of interest.
AutoCAD 13c4 for UNIX is the latest release of the popular CAD software by the Autodesk company. This version is capable of importing and exporting files in the ACIS format, which can be used directly to create stereolithography parts. This systems is supported by the IBM, Sun, Hewlett-Packard, and Silicon Graphics Inc. workstations.
Pro/ENGINEER is a multi-faceted CAD/CAM package from Parametric Technology Corporation that has the ability to import and export files in the IGES format used by I-DEAS. Additionally, through the use of products such as Pro/MFG and Pro/NC-CHECK, NC operations can be simulated.
Parasolid is an exact boundary-representation solid modeler developed by EDS Unigraphics. This system can import models from a wide range of proprietary geometric systems. Has some integration capabilities.
QuickSlice is a pre-processing software developed by Stratasys which is used in Fused Deposition Modelling ( FDM ). QuickSlice reads the .STL file generated by capable CAD/CAM systems, and converts them into out put files which the FDM machine can use. See also .SLC and .SML
MAESTRO is a pre-processing program developed by 3D Systems to process .STL files into formats that can be used for stereolithography.
The Drawing Exchange Format ( DXF ) was developed and is maintained by AutoDesk. The DXF format is an ASCII file format used to exchange vector based graphics files, and was originally developed to allow different CAD applications to exchange drawings.
The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification ( IGES ) is a vendor independent CAD/CAM exchange format developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce NIST to set a standard for the exchange of product definition data ( geometric data, annotation, administrative or product identification data ) between proprietary CAD/CAM systems.
This a format set by ACIS, and is used by Graftek's GMS SMART Solid Modeler. It is characterized as a 3D boundary representation geometric model, capable of being used directly for stereolithography.
The PostScript file format is a computer language that describes the appearance of a page, including elements such as text, graphics, and scanned images, to a printer or other output device.
The GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format uses a LZW compression scheme (the same as Stuffit and PKZip) which does not change the quality of the image. Instead, it uses an index color palette which may degrade the color quality of your image, but effectively cuts the size of an RGB image by two-thirds.
The JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format uses a compression scheme that slightly modifies the original image to achieve maximum compression. The more compression the more picture degradation.
Exact boundary-representation solid model file used by Parasolid
Internationally known as STEP, the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data, and in the U.S. as the Product Data Exchange using STEP ( PDES ). It has been proposed as a computer-interpretable neutral format that provides unambiguous representation of product data throughout the life cycle.
File extension for Pro/ENGINEER's Neutral Assembly
Part file used by Pro/ENGINEER
Output file created by the CAD/CAM package for use in Rapid Prototyping.
An internal slice file created by QuickSlice for use in FDM.
An internal manufacturing file created by QuickSlice for use in FDM.
The model file(s) created within I-DEAS
These are files created by the MAESTRO pre-processing software which defines the layers, parameters, range, and vectors of the object.
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