tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post803389243755829511..comments2024-03-11T11:39:53.352+00:00Comments on Computer Animation Arts: @ Alan - Rapid Prototyping QuestionsAlan Postingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09282179748734196674noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-58351435078111320852012-08-14T08:27:27.026+01:002012-08-14T08:27:27.026+01:00Good to see the update here.Good to see the update here.rapid prototypinghttp://www.rapidprototypingservices.info/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-84845134252220920962012-06-10T21:04:22.496+01:002012-06-10T21:04:22.496+01:00Hi Simon,
Maya does have an export to either STL o...Hi Simon,<br />Maya does have an export to either STL or VRML function, it is in the plug-in menu. I can't check at the moment as I can only access the license when at Uni. I have exported stuff from Maya and opened it without any problems in the software we have at Uni for the Z-Print printer. The main condition is that the model mush be solid, no zero depth geometry, seeing some of the geometry that other students have run through the system most of the stuff we do should be fine with some minor considerations, I am yet to run something through the printer myself but the software seems pretty robust assuming you model soundly. Personally however I would go outside it you want to have really nice resolution although the prices can soon rack up, don't forget postage and packaging and if you are bringing in from outside the UK you may have to also pay import duties.Simon Holland 74https://www.blogger.com/profile/12835153822731307157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-21051295602777806492012-06-09T08:40:12.765+01:002012-06-09T08:40:12.765+01:00Okay, thanks a lot for the replies, Alan, and than...Okay, thanks a lot for the replies, Alan, and thanks, Tom for that link.mechanicalsnowmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02668947385022611469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-24913867721861243482012-06-09T00:26:53.817+01:002012-06-09T00:26:53.817+01:00Hi Simon
Yes there is a plug-in on creative crash...Hi Simon<br /><br />Yes there is a plug-in on creative crash. If you can't find it let me know and i'll upload the version I have. Unfortunately, companies use different printing software so you have to preview in the appropriate one. Although Tom's suggestion may be a suitable for you if you don't have immediate access to a 3D printer. There is a new 3D printer in the UCA which is powder based (recent aquisition). If you see the Technicians they may still be able to print for you / help you set up the file.Alan Postingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09282179748734196674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-16131932467481727612012-06-08T19:03:44.485+01:002012-06-08T19:03:44.485+01:00Most online 3D websites accept .obj files, i.mater...Most online 3D websites accept .obj files, i.materialise being one.<br /><br />http://i.materialise.com/<br /><br />They should be able to tell you if your model is ready for printing.Tom Beghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07926430061599921376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-22785793454191146862012-06-08T15:26:34.330+01:002012-06-08T15:26:34.330+01:00Alright, thanks Alan,
Is there some kind of scri...Alright, thanks Alan, <br /><br />Is there some kind of script or plug-in for Maya that converts your model into .stl format, or is the process a little more complex than that?<br /><br />Would converting the model into .stl, and viewing the exported .stl file in any kind of CAD software be an effective preview of what the final model will look like when printed? Or would it have to be viewed in the printer software itself to get an idea of what it will look like? <br /><br />Or in other words, is there any way for someone to preview the outcome on their own machine before committing to going into the University or sending the file off somewhere?mechanicalsnowmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02668947385022611469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009030164560299615.post-67318383285588473772012-06-08T15:04:40.548+01:002012-06-08T15:04:40.548+01:00Hi Simon
To answer your questions:
1) File forma...Hi Simon<br /><br />To answer your questions:<br /><br />1) File formats: This depends upon the machine. It can be a .stl file (standard Stereolithography file) for viynl / plastic printers or .vrml for powder based printers (this gives you colour also).<br /><br />2) Converting Maya models to .stl and .vrml can be problematic. If the model is one piece this is obviously easier but if it is in seperate pieces its more difficult - The printer software tries to use Boolean operations to create one single mesh. A very unpredictable outcome depending upon how the objects are positioned. My advice is to try to make a single a mesh where possible and if this isn't possible use the printer software to preview the results (Booleans) and make adjustments until correct.Alan Postingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09282179748734196674noreply@blogger.com