STL file conversion

[thixoguy]

Hi All,

We are in the process of getting a trim die reverse engineered and our supplier has explained to us that they will provide an STL file of the die. My question is, how can I convert an STL file into some sort meaningful solid CAD data? Do I have to re-create the data using the STL file as a reference or is there some sort of conversion software (within catia or third party) that I can utilize to assist in this? I will speak to our vendor to see if they can provide a step file or even an iges format. If that fails, I was wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions? Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
thixoguy

 

[graymj]

HI

It depends on what information you need, Catia v5 has three workbenches that are dictated to reverse engineering, in which you could build a curve network then
apply surfaces to the point cloud or polygon mesh model. But if you need trimline or flange break line information then you would need feature extraction ability which is better off doing in Polyworks or Geomagic. The Catia v5 workbenches are; Digitized Shape Editor, Quick Surface Reconstruction and STL Rapid Prototyping!

 

[thixoguy]

graymj,

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Basically,what I am after is some meaningful CAD data. You see, we had a trim die built(before my tenure,I should add)and no one thought to ask for any hard CAD data. Now we are about to go to production, the die works fine but if any thing breaks we are @#^%ed. I have been asked to recreate the data. I have sourced a company that provides a service whereby they "take a picture" of the die (white light??) and create a point cloud which in turn is converted to an STL file.

The original trim die manufacturer is history, so that's not an option.

thanks

thixoguy

 

[graymj]

Hi

Then the Steps outlined, will work! I use them all the time for manual designed dies into cad, die repairing and
etc...

 

[graymj]

HI All

A very good overview on STL's, Scanning and Etc...

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/inside/cadcam/catiav5/

Good Luck! MG

 

[thixoguy]

graymj,

Thanks for all your valuable input, it is much appreciated

thixoguy

 

[DBezaire]

thixoguy - are you looking for an outsource to rebuild your data?

Regards,
Derek

 

[thixoguy]

DBezaire,

At this point I would like to perform the work myself. However, if encounter too many difficulties I may have to turn to an outside source. Do you have any recomendations?

thanks,
thixoguy

 

[DBezaire]

Thixoguy - a good friend of mine sources reverse eng. work to Product Design Service - 519.974.7101

Regards,
Derek

 

[thixoguy]

DBezaire,

Thanks for the tip. If I need to go down that route I will definately consider your lead.

thixoguy

 

[thixoguy]

DBezaire,

I was speaking to the guy who is performing the white light scan of our trim die and was asking him who they have used to rebuild their CAD data and he suggested, you guessed it, Product Design Services. It is a small world indeed.

Regards
thixoguy

 

[DBezaire]

Thixoguy - the white light scan, Inspectionair Guage?

Regards,
Derek

 

[thixoguy]

DBezaire,

Yes,the white light scanner(cognitens) was purchased from inspectionair.
I was watching it run on friday, it's a pretty amazing tool.

Regards,
thixoguy