Creating Cad Files

[Axel45]

Is there anywhere to get a how to for laying out a specimen and converting it to a cad file for reverse engineering? Looking for basic techniques etc.

[Paul Sarrach]

Just lay it out the way you would anything and then export your data as a iges file. Have who ever wants it to make up a part and go at it.

[kbotta]

I'm not sure if there is a printed 'how to' for reverse eng. Maybe the help file has something on this? Not to sure...

[slinky1561]

I'm not sure if there is a printed 'how to' for reverse eng. Maybe the help file has something on this? Not to sure...

HELP file!!!! Now THAT'S Funny!!!

[slinky1561]

Measure it as you would normally, measuring all features. Then File-Export-IGES......

[ag162]

Hello,
My basic idea on reverse engineering is as follows:
Establish the origin
Create a base plane
Create the J corner and establish the origin
Use trim points for all edges, I also create lines for a visual aid
I use autofeature scans - single point and the spacing varies on the surface.
The amount of points for an area are dependent on the contour and shape
If you have cad experience, put yourself in the positin of the engineer and imagine getting the file. Could you create a model with the file? Can you see the part in the points?
Export as an iges

[rebeldude]

I don't believe it has the capability. I may be wrong. I usually just bring the points into cad software and draw it up myself. If you don't have access to cad software or don't know how to use it, just make up maps explaining your points for design. Label the points something that design will understand. That seems to work good too

[ag162]

Hey rebel,
What cad package do you use?

A.Gore

[rebeldude]

I just use CadKey, but I am attempting to learn and am partially using SolidWorks

[kbotta]

Dude, did you se that new table top scanner for solidworks for only 2500.00 bucks? Not that accurate yet, but it is on the horizon...

[kbotta]

Here, check this out - if you have not already...

https://www2.nextengine.com/indexSecure.htm

[ag162]

I cut my teeth on Auto Cad R14 / Mechanical Desktop, now I have a copy of Autocad$%%^ ( top secret ) at home and I have some issues with the dimensioning portion. Other than that, the software is really good. Autodesk inventor is ok for sheet metal. Have not gotten to Catia yet.

A.Gore

[rebeldude]

That is cool!!! I want one!!

[kbotta]

2500.00 unbelievable.....

[rebeldude]

They keep talking about getting Catia here. For 3 years now, of course mostly everything here is just talk!!