Why is EVERYTHING so difficult?!? (meshcam / SW hate)

[ClemsonGirl]

Hey everyone --

I am using solidworks and trying hard.......very very hard.....to export my STL files to MeshCAM. Well, when I do so, Meshcam reads solidworks coordinate system all wrong.

When I try to edit the coordinate system in solidworks, it will only let me reverse the X Y and Z. For instance, my Y axis is the one pointing towards me. It needs to be my Z, but solidworks will only switch the X and Y.

Does anyone know how to fix this?

Also, has anyone used SolidCAM? Does it cost as much as a kidney?

Thanks!
-CG

[ClemsonGirl]

well, i figured it out - create everything in the front view, not the top view. Is there a way to easily convert things you drew in the top view to the front view?

-CG

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by ClemsonGirl well, i figured it out - create everything in the front view, not the top view. Is there a way to easily convert things you drew in the top view to the front view? -CG

wish i could help but do not use meshcam and limited in solidworks (only use it to make sure things fit just right. But i'm sure others can help.

Joe

[imserv]

In Vector Cad-Cam you could use Cut and then Paste with a 90 degree rotation about the X axis. There is a similar function in SW that will permit you to rotate your model.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby

[an0n]

If you look at the axis widget in the corner you'll see what axis are Z,
if you want to rotate there's move/rotate in the features menu..
/Anders

[ger21]

You can also rotate it in MeshCAM very easily.

[bob-morey]

Use the geometry rotate feature within Meshcam. It takes a few minutes to get used to, but is easy and effective part rotation.

[keebler303]

when you save the stl in solidworks you can click on options or something like that in the save as dialog box, then you can specify a new coordinate system to reference when it saves the stl.

Matt

[Mike Stevenson]

The deal is in Solidworks the FRONT plane is equal to the TOP plane is most CAM sytems. In other words it's a 90 degree rotation from the right side in your cam system.