STL file not showing as a 3D file
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Shark HD4 Extended with VCarve Pro 10.5
STL file not showing as a 3D file
I have downloaded a 3d STL file. I used the Modeling tab to import the file. After setting up all the sizes I go to the Tool Paths tab to set up the end mills to use and select the 3D tool path icon and I get an error that says I need to have a 3D image.
This is the first time I try to use an STL file for 3D machining, so what am I doing wrong?
I'm running Vcarve Pro 9.5
This is the first time I try to use an STL file for 3D machining, so what am I doing wrong?
I'm running Vcarve Pro 9.5
- dealguy11
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 2490
- Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Anderson Selexx 510,24x48 GCnC/WinCNC
- Location: Henryville, PA
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
After you do the import, can you see the imported model when you click the "3D View" tab at the top of the screen? Are you sure the import produced a model?
Steve Godding
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Shark HD4 Extended with VCarve Pro 10.5
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
Yes. I see it as if it was a 3D model. I can rotate it and everything.dealguy11 wrote:After you do the import, can you see the imported model when you click the "3D View" tab at the top of the screen? Are you sure the import produced a model?
- mtylerfl
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 5895
- Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
- Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
- Location: Brunswick, GA
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
If you cannot provide your actual file, please show us a screenshot of your 3D view with the model.OCEdesigns wrote: Yes. I see it as if it was a 3D model. I can rotate it and everything.
Michael Tyler
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Shark HD4 Extended with VCarve Pro 10.5
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
I'm at work. As soon as I get home I'll get this.mtylerfl wrote:If you cannot provide your actual file, please show us a screenshot of your 3D view with the model.OCEdesigns wrote: Yes. I see it as if it was a 3D model. I can rotate it and everything.
Would the picture look different if the import didn't produce a model? Because it looks just like the other 3D models I've done but those were V3M files.
- dealguy11
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 2490
- Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Anderson Selexx 510,24x48 GCnC/WinCNC
- Location: Henryville, PA
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
If it didn't produce a model then you wouldn't see it, so it seems you have a component. How are you selecting the machining limit boundary in the Roughing/Finishing toolpath screens?
Steve Godding
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14660
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
I've tried a few different ways to duplicate the error and nothing short of not actually having a component in the job will generate that message as far as I can see.
There is no difference between an STL file and a V3M file once you're past the import stage and you have a component in the job.
There is no difference between an STL file and a V3M file once you're past the import stage and you have a component in the job.
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
It sounds like you are not selecting the actual 3D model in the 2D view when creating your toolpath... if the 3d model is actually there. If you didn't create a boundary of the 3D model, then you need to select model boundary in the "Machining Limit Boundary".
If this is your first 3D model, I would highly suggest to watch a few of the Vectric tutorials on 3D. Find them here...
https://support.vectric.com/training-material
3D isn't as simple as 2D so please watch some of the tutorials. hope this helps.
If this is your first 3D model, I would highly suggest to watch a few of the Vectric tutorials on 3D. Find them here...
https://support.vectric.com/training-material
3D isn't as simple as 2D so please watch some of the tutorials. hope this helps.
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14660
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
You don't need to select the model when creating a 3D toolpath. It's different from the other toolpaths in that regard.
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Shark HD4 Extended with VCarve Pro 10.5
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
Thanks for the replies so far. I got home late so didn't have a chance to look at it. But after reading here I think I forgot to do the boundary! I have done about 10 V3M files. So hopefully it's just a simple boundary mistake.
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14660
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
If it was that you would be getting an error saying "No suitable vectors selected" not one about there being no 3D model.OCEdesigns wrote:Thanks for the replies so far. I got home late so didn't have a chance to look at it. But after reading here I think I forgot to do the boundary! I have done about 10 V3M files. So hopefully it's just a simple boundary mistake.
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Shark HD4 Extended with VCarve Pro 10.5
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
OK. I'll have to check that then too.Adrian wrote:If it was that you would be getting an error saying "No suitable vectors selected" not one about there being no 3D model.OCEdesigns wrote:Thanks for the replies so far. I got home late so didn't have a chance to look at it. But after reading here I think I forgot to do the boundary! I have done about 10 V3M files. So hopefully it's just a simple boundary mistake.
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
OCEdesigns wrote:Thanks for the replies so far. I got home late so didn't have a chance to look at it. But after reading here I think I forgot to do the boundary! I have done about 10 V3M files. So hopefully it's just a simple boundary mistake.
I am sorry to debate this Adrian, but in MY version of Vcarve Desktop, you are wrong. I just now imported an STL file into a new project. I sized it up and UNSELECTED it... I pulled up 3D rough and entered my parameters and boom! it error'd and said "no vectors selected". Unless I am misunderstanding what you mean, I HAVE to select the 3D model in the 2D view before it will allow any 3D toolpath. Perhaps it is different in the Pro or Aspire versions.
- gkas
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1451
- Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2017 3:39 am
- Model of CNC Machine: Aspire, Axiom AR8 Pro+, Axiom 4.2W Laser
- Location: Southern California
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
Adrian is CORRECT. You got "no vectors selected" because you have 'Selected Vectors' checked in your Machining Limit Boundary in your rough or finish toolpath, whichever you are trying to create. You don't have any vector selected surrounding the model.ezurick wrote:OCEdesigns wrote:Thanks for the replies so far. I got home late so didn't have a chance to look at it. But after reading here I think I forgot to do the boundary! I have done about 10 V3M files. So hopefully it's just a simple boundary mistake.
I am sorry to debate this Adrian, but in MY version of Vcarve Desktop, you are wrong. I just now imported an STL file into a new project. I sized it up and UNSELECTED it... I pulled up 3D rough and entered my parameters and boom! it error'd and said "no vectors selected". Unless I am misunderstanding what you mean, I HAVE to select the 3D model in the 2D view before it will allow any 3D toolpath. Perhaps it is different in the Pro or Aspire versions.
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14660
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: STL file not showing as a 3D file
You don't have to use vectors to machine a 3D model. If you use one of the other options than "Selected Vector(s)" then it will machine the model(s) directly. The original post said that the error message was about the 3D model missing not the vectors which is why I assumed it wasn't the boundary that was the issue. The only way I've been able to get a message about the 3D model not to come up when calculating the toolpath is not to have a model in the job at all.ezurick wrote: I am sorry to debate this Adrian, but in MY version of Vcarve Desktop, you are wrong. I just now imported an STL file into a new project. I sized it up and UNSELECTED it... I pulled up 3D rough and entered my parameters and boom! it error'd and said "no vectors selected". Unless I am misunderstanding what you mean, I HAVE to select the 3D model in the 2D view before it will allow any 3D toolpath. Perhaps it is different in the Pro or Aspire versions.