Models to Blueprints

[Gary]

Since this area is for "General hangout discussion area for other non-printing stuff" -- I'd like to ask if anyone knows how I can convert some models to a blueprint-like format.

An injection molder I want to use is apparently stuck in 1996. I wanted to send him an STL, DXF, etc. He asked that I send him a blueprint. After I stopped laughing, I said, "what do you mean?"

He said to send him a "PDF" of the blueprint. Initially, I thought "ok". However, I am having a terrible time trying to find a program that will read a model and output a blueprint-style format.

Any ideas?

[Brian]

Does the program you created the model with have an output option to print drawing files? This is fairly common.

[RAMTechRob]

Find a new injection molder. How can you stay in business without being able to read 3D files. Amazing.

[heathenx]

@Gary

If I were a mold maker I'd feel put out by an stl or a dxf. You should be thinking about neutral 3D CAD formats that are interchangeable between CAD systems, such as, STEP, IGES or even SAT files (amongst several others).

I work with injection molders rather frequently. I give all of them a 3D STEP file and a 2D PDF drawing file. Mold makers usually only need the 3D file. Molders need the dimensional drawing so that they know to to process the part in accordance to your tolerances.

Put some effort into it. Your molder/maker will appreciate it.

[McSlappy]

Try a simple .eps file - I've used that right from Illustrator for a lot of cut files for laser cutters etc, it's actually pretty common.

[Gary]

Try a simple .eps file - I've used that right from Illustrator for a lot of cut files for laser cutters etc, it's actually pretty common.

He doesn't seem to be able to understand these options. It's a bit shocking. I really like his work on other projects.

Find a new injection molder. How can you stay in business without being able to read 3D files. Amazing.

Sadly, I tend to agree.

Does the program you created the model with have an output option to print drawing files? This is fairly common.

This program doesn't, unfortunately.

@Gary
If I were a mold maker I'd feel put out by an stl or a dxf. You should be thinking about neutral 3D CAD formats that are interchangeable between CAD systems, such as, STEP, IGES or even SAT files (amongst several others).

Normally I supply 2D drawings. These models happen to have been made in a 3D modeler program. I can convert to numerous file formats - that isn't the problem. I want to take a 3D model and "2D it" and then add dimensional specs. There are seventeen models and I just had other plans this month rather than converting these so manually.

These models were originally made in Lightwave in order to create an animation. But they are dimensionally correct. I printed them out. So I'd love to capture as much of this work as I can. Ideally, I'd read them in, add dimensional info and be done.

[heathenx]

@Gary

You might be able to utilize Autodesk Fusion 360. It's a free cloud based CAD app. You can import models and make PDF or DWG 2D drawings with linked 3D part files. I use it at home as my primary CAD system. They just released the drawing module last week. Might be useful for you. Only works on Windows and Mac. No Linux love, unfortunately.

[Gary]

You might be able to utilize Autodesk Fusion 360. It's a free cloud based CAD app.

Thanks for the tip. I guess they've been tightening down on the 'free' part. The best I can find is a 30-day trial, followed by $40 a month.

Off-topic rant:
Personally, I think we all need to reject so-called Cloud-based software. All they're doing is renting us software and storing our data. If I used this product for 10 years it would cost nearly $5,000. A year ago they wanted $25 per month, now it's $40. These software giants want us to be stupid enough to buy into the magical Cloud because it means it will be raining money for them forever.

The Cloud returns us to pre-1985. It is nothing more than a ploy to convince us to return to owning terminals and renting time on their mainframe. To make sure we pay each month, they'll hold our data hostage.
/end rant

[heathenx]

@Gary

I understand your concern about the cloud. Even though I have Dropbox, box.net, and Google drive accounts I watch what I store on them. I reserve the important stuff for my personal owncloud server and ssh server which I run at home.

Regardless of my feelings about cloud storage, Fusion 360 is quite a value. It is indead free for hobbyists. It always has been.

http://fusion360.autodesk.com/about

If you are sketchy about keeping your designs in the cloud (which are private by the way) then you can always export them when finished, storing them locally and deleting the cloud copy. In other words, work around the things that make you feel uncomfortable.

There are other CAD alternatives. FreeCAD is one of them. They are in heavy development. The drawing module is quite a work in progress but it's getting there.

[Demolishun]

Cubify Design can read a lot of 3D formats and has an entire 3D to 2D drawing system built in. It is $200 for the complete package. I have read in Pro Engineer files into Cubify and it worked very well. I have not used the 2D side much, but I know it is there. There is a trial period so you can test if that part will work for you.

[geneb]

Keep in mind that not matter what the vendor says, if you do not have physical control of the device that stores your data, it's not your data.

A friend of mine wrote an excellent essay on the cloud a number of years ago.

http://ascii.textfiles.com/archives/1717

g.

[Max]

The cloud can bring services to a lot of people that don't have the money to host locally, or just need occasional functionality. It also forces developers to think bigger than 1 test case.

But one huge warning! http://www.codespaces.com/

Hackers got into their cloud control panel, and deleted everything, including the backups. They could not afford to fix the problem, because they could not just "restore from backup". Everyone is now looking for new jobs.

[heathenx]

@geneb

It wasn't my intention to steer this discussion into a cloud vs non-cloud debate. Personally, I think cloud makes sense for some things, not so much for other things. If the OP has plenty of money to throw at it then there are plenty of private/local solutions out there.

[Gary]

I understand your concern about the cloud.

I don't have a problem with it for many uses. I just know some execs who are hoping to push us all toward renting our software from now on. I think it that's bad for us. As I said, it was an "off-topic rant". I've made a living writing software for 30 years and have really grown to hate the industry's constant money grabs, usually in the name of "bigger, better, faster", but always translates to "higher prices, less services, fewer features".

I'm glad you found a way to get this for free to hobbyists. I thought I looked all over their site. I missed that. Thanks!

[Gary]

A friend of mine wrote an excellent essay on the cloud a number of years ago.

I think your friend and I would get along. I too, am from those days...

[heathenx]

@Gary

You actually have to click the buy button and not the trial button. That exposes the student/enthusiast option.

[geneb]

I don't have a problem with it for many uses. I just know some execs who are hoping to push us all toward renting our software from now on. I think it that's bad for us. As I said, it was an "off-topic rant". I've made a living writing software for 30 years and have really grown to hate the industry's constant money grabs, usually in the name of "bigger, better, faster", but always translates to "higher prices, less services, fewer features".

Gary, let me introduce you to a a great site.

Spoiler:

http://programming-motherfucker.com/

(Don't click the spoiler tag unless you can handle adult language.)

I WILL be ordering a t-shirt from him soon.

g.

[Gary]

let me introduce you to a a great site.

I've seen that site. I don't think he's updated recently.