IGES import issues

[cgroves]

Hello,

I'm using Alibre to model parts and to create IGES files for import to Sprutcam. I'm having all sorts of issues with the IGES files themselves. In my experience Alibre does a terrible job of creating IGES files from models that have curves in them. Instead of curved faces I get some that are cylinders. When I sew faces, I get non visible edges show up that I can select but cannot delete.

I've tried exporting files to STP from Alibre and then using a STEP/IGS converter and it doesn't have the cylinder problem but the "invisible" edge problem still shows up. This means that Sprutcam doesn't machine the faces properly. I also get "tool holder contact" warnings where there shouldn't be any warnings.

I wasted countless hours trying to get on top of this.

Is anybody else having these sorts of problems? Have you discovered any work a rounds?

Does Sprut have any plans to import STEP or ACIS files to avoid these IGES conversion issues?

Regards, Christian

[saabaero]

For what it's worth... I use Autocad Inventor and have transfered files to Sprutcam using the Inventor "part (.prt)" format, iges and step without any problems with any method. I haven't found any advantage to a particular format except that the (.prt) format saves me doing an export to a converted file type.

[Cairns]

I've seen that issue from time to time myself. I've found that if I export to IGES, then import that IGES file right back into a new Alibre part and then export from there again as an IGES file, the twice exported file opens in Sprut much more cleanly. It is quite the long way around the block but it does get the job done, at least it has for me.

[Cairns]

With regards to the non visible edges. I've seen this problem as well but only when I've mirrored a copy of part using the transform function. It may also happen when moving or rotating a copied part but I can't confirm that. I've gotten into the habit of making an Alibre assembly with the parts arranged in the way that I need them and exporting that as an IGES.

[Magnum164]

Originally Posted by cgroves Hello, I'm using Alibre to model parts and to create IGES files for import to Sprutcam. I'm having all sorts of issues with the IGES files themselves. In my experience Alibre does a terrible job of creating IGES files from models that have curves in them. Instead of curved faces I get some that are cylinders. When I sew faces, I get non visible edges show up that I can select but cannot delete. I've tried exporting files to STP from Alibre and then using a STEP/IGS converter and it doesn't have the cylinder problem but the "invisible" edge problem still shows up. This means that Sprutcam doesn't machine the faces properly. I also get "tool holder contact" warnings where there shouldn't be any warnings. I wasted countless hours trying to get on top of this. Is anybody else having these sorts of problems? Have you discovered any work a rounds? Does Sprut have any plans to import STEP or ACIS files to avoid these IGES conversion issues? Regards, Christian

Yes, I am at work but can post the exact solution later tonight. Look in the options settings and turn your display to it's highest settings in SprutCAM. worked for me. Since I made that change I have had no troubles exporting.

I also had another issue, but will look tonight and post the full resolution I had and see if it works for you.

[MichaelHenry]

Are you aware that there is a SprutCAM add-in for Alibre that lets you transfer the model directly to SprutCAM? No need to do a conversion.

Mike

[Magnum164]

Originally Posted by MichaelHenry Are you aware that there is a SprutCAM add-in for Alibre that lets you transfer the model directly to SprutCAM? No need to do a conversion. Mike

Actually No I did not (or don't recall). Not on my install and I don't see it listed on their website nor as a feature(Rhino is listed). Do you have a link?

[Magnum164]

See if this is the same or related issue....


http://forums.sprutcam.com/forums/in...art=#entry1636

[cgroves]

Thanks for the replies.

I was aware of the Alibre add-on that supposedly imports native files, although given that the eventual model displays the same problems as the IGES import, it appeared to me that even with the "native" import there's an IGES conversion taking place. The name of the processing windows (Alibreimport.IGS) gives it away also.

I've used the import of Alibre files in Sprutcam. I get a nice looking model but it is imported as a mesh. I have no idea how to select individual faces from there.

With regards to the "double import" I've used that trick and it does work quite well although it can be hit and miss also.

Unfortunately the hidden edges are there before the any transformation. They show up if a do a sew before any transformations. I've found changing the sew tolerance can help but not always.

I tried the "visualisation" settings but it didn't seem to do much.

I have raised the IGES export issue with Alibre as it wouldn't even export a simple helix i.e. a thread. It apparently was raised with their design team. I can only hope that this functionality is overhauled for their next release in October.

Christian

[MichaelHenry]

Christian,

You should also pursue this with Sprut. In my experience, Alibre support is not very good for products that they don't develop themselves, like SprutCAM.

BTW, have you fiddled with the settings for IGES export? A few versions back, I had problems transferring a model to SprutCAM until I changed some of those settings. You can get to the dialog box that allows you to change them by doing a:

Tools | Options | File Type from an Alibre Part design window.

I use my home PC for CAM functions so can't check the settings I use until this evening. If you are in a hurry you might search the Alibre support forum for "IGES" and my name. I may have described what worked for me there when I was having problems a few years back.

Mike

[Don Clement]

Don't have a SprutCAM import IGES issue using Solidworks even when running Solidworks 64 bit. Sounds like a problem with Alibre not SprutCam.

Don

[NNoXX]

In Alibre you can configure the way an IGES file is exported. I can not say exactly how to configure the IGES export for Sprut CAM but this is most likely where you will find a solution. Open the Alibre part and go to tools --> options then the file types tab and adjust the IGES settings. Sprut CAM may be able to suggest preferable settings. I hope this helps.

Thanks
Alibre Support Manager