Re: Vector&BooleanOp

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., cadcamcenter@y... wrote:

> Hi Fred,
>
> Thanks for the long explanation for Vector.
>
> << Slice - Vector - 3D-Cut above Z. The coordinate axis is portable
> in Vector. You can move it or rotate it anywhere in 3D.>>
>
> You mean using the xy plane as a cutting plane?
>

Yes except that the cutting plane is relative to the coordinate axes
and it (the origin) is as portable as all the geometry in Vector.

>
> << Union/Subtract - Vector - I cannot define these in less than a
> paragraph, as they are routines, not functions. One interesting
> feature, is that Vector can make a single offset curve from two or
> more overlapping contours. It offsets the Union of the multiple
> contours>>
>
> Meaning I can construct two/more contours, make an offset curve

with

> offset distance=0 and get a "union" of the two/more contours?

That will work, change to an different active layer and/or color
first.

>
> <<Because many people want to be able to cut complex 3D objects, we
> developed
> StlWork.>>
>
> On a scale of 0-10, 0=hopeless, how would you rate Stlwork and
> Deskproto on
> a. features
> b. ease of use
> c. learning curve
>

If some one has experience with Bobcad or Vector, StlWork is about a
10 minute learn. Without any Cad-Cam experience, figure a couple of
hours to get toolpaths that are somewhat useful. Now the real
learning experience of setting feeds and speeds tool selection,
surface finish control, etc. Some mold programmers never learn and
they have a lot more expensive tools.

StlWork 2 is another matter altogether. With it, the programmer has
the same dumb raster options that are in StlWork. That part is very
little different. But if he wants to finesse part of the model, add
in some waterline strategy at crucial steep or vertical areas, that
can take a while longer to understand the interplay between raster
cutting and waterline. We are also putting some "Millit" kinds of
features in that will add to the complexity. Millit is a program
that generates flat sliced parts that you can attach together to form
a part that is larger than the Z capability of your machine. It also
can allow internal cutouts. Each slice is a ring, glue them all
together and you have a hollow egg. Smooth outside and smooth
inside. In Short StlWork2 will be an order of magnitude improvement
over StlWork and its competitors.

You will have to ask someone else about DeskProto. Let me know what
isn't in StlWork & we will add it. ;-)

> <<Here is my current list alphabetically: ...Bcad...Intellicad...>>
>
> Bcad=BobCAD? When can you arrange another USD15 offer for BobCAD???
> &/or StlWorks

NO! Bcad=Bcad. It is Russian. Been around the Shareware markets for
several years(since dos 16 bit days, my how time flies). Last I
looked about the same feature set as DesignCad, probably better.
Looks like they have released the DOS version for free without
support and the downloadable win32 is now at about $275USD.

http://www.3dsite.com/cgi/bcad/

>
> Intellicad? The free or painful (pocketwise) version? The last

time

Intellicad 2001 from Cadopia, has VB and Acis passthrough. The free
version of Intellicad 2000 will save machinable 3D primitives that
StlTrans can translate to Stl and StlWork can develop toolpaths.

Once we get a little closer to the final in StlWork 2 we hope to be
putting reviews and links on the StlWork web site for all the
programs on my 3D list.

Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService