CAD models for MK3 parts  

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

github

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

where? not in https://github.com/prusa3d as far as I can see.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Related question, is there a specific way to download the .scad files to allow them to be viewed and modified in fusion 360 and or solidworks?

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Fusion 360 can load STL files, but that can be a mess to work with. SCAD files is not supported at the moment: OpenSCAD Import/export but requested by users.

For simple models I find it easier to redraw the model in the CAD program. For more complex models I have previous been using the the tool chain: SCAD file -> FreeCAD -> Soild model file

FreeCAD is free and can export in many different file formats.

I'm not familiar with Solidworks.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Fusion 360 can load STL files, but that can be a mess to work with. SCAD files is not supported at the moment: OpenSCAD Import/export but requested by users.

For simple models I find it easier to redraw the model in the CAD program. For more complex models I have previous been using the the tool chain: SCAD file -> FreeCAD -> Soild model file

FreeCAD is free and can export in many different file formats.

I'm not familiar with Solidworks.

2nd this

more specifically from SCAD .csg file can be exported. in SCAD you read in the file and then rebuild (F6) before exporting. The .csg file can be read by FreeCAD which in turn can export a STEP or IGS file. These should be readable by the other CAD packages. The holes will be faceted which isn't perfect but if you need specific features they could be rebuilt once you get the geometry imported.

The other components mentioned are either standard (motors) or should be pretty easy to CAD once you have the printer in hand.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Fusion 360 can load STL files, but that can be a mess to work with. SCAD files is not supported at the moment: OpenSCAD Import/export but requested by users.

For simple models I find it easier to redraw the model in the CAD program. For more complex models I have previous been using the the tool chain: SCAD file -> FreeCAD -> Soild model file

FreeCAD is free and can export in many different file formats.

I'm not familiar with Solidworks.

Thank you guys, I will give this advice a go.

I would like to avoid the .stl files completely , .stl files have been a complete joke to work with in my experience to modify, it's possible there is a better way to do it, but I have not found it. (Perhaps people convert .stl files back into a standard file type? Specifically for reference geometry?)

What I was hopeing for is a way to import a existing .scad file or a quick easy conversion, assuming there might be a trick out there to work with this specific file type.

The common advice I have read was to install a instance and export as a .step file from opencad.

I was hoping to find something more streamlined than having more software packages floating around on my machine for very rare usage if possible...

I can easily model the parts I am after, it just seemed advantageous to grab the .scad files I wanted to modify and simply amend them and have the parts ready when the MK3 gets here.

I really am not a fan of the zip ties used to restrain the Y axis linear rails to the blocks, It may be a silly preference...but that is something I absolutely would like to change immediately. Those and the thread stock and jamb nuts as the frame were the 2 points that held me back from purchasing this machine before.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

I looked over the build guide, other than legacy, why are they still utilizing the zip ties to restrain the Y axis linear rods ?

Assuming anyone can speculate or even cares to?

I can see the utility in how quick they are to simply nip with side cutters and remove almost the entire Y axis....but to what point and purpose?

Is this something people typically do? Particularly on such a proven reliable machine?

And couldn't this simply be done by 8 small screws now?

I am sure this isn't a particularly relevant question for most... but it is something I would love to understand better if I am missing something obviously helpful of beneficial in the design?

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

The topic of the zip ties is interesting, but since this thread is about converting the CAD.. I'll refrain.

I've converted some models from the github to Solidworks. There have been some errors in the surfaces (extra surfaces) but nothing that has been difficult to clean up. One model worked better as IGES than STEP but I think generally STEP is the best format to use before importing to your own CAD.

I don't know how I will use the CAD yet, at most will make small modifications and re-print my own. At the least they just take up space on my drives : O

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Fusion 360 can load STL files, but that can be a mess to work with. SCAD files is not supported at the moment: OpenSCAD Import/export but requested by users.

For simple models I find it easier to redraw the model in the CAD program. For more complex models I have previous been using the the tool chain: SCAD file -> FreeCAD -> Soild model file

FreeCAD is free and can export in many different file formats.

I'm not familiar with Solidworks.

Thank you guys, I will give this advice a go.

I would like to avoid the .stl files completely , .stl files have been a complete joke to work with in my experience to modify, it's possible there is a better way to do it, but I have not found it. (Perhaps people convert .stl files back into a standard file type? Specifically for reference geometry?)

What I was hopeing for is a way to import a existing .scad file or a quick easy conversion, assuming there might be a trick out there to work with this specific file type.

The common advice I have read was to install a instance and export as a .step file from opencad.

I was hoping to find something more streamlined than having more software packages floating around on my machine for very rare usage if possible...

I can easily model the parts I am after, it just seemed advantageous to grab the .scad files I wanted to modify and simply amend them and have the parts ready when the MK3 gets here.

I really am not a fan of the zip ties used to restrain the Y axis linear rails to the blocks, It may be a silly preference...but that is something I absolutely would like to change immediately. Those and the thread stock and jamb nuts as the frame were the 2 points that held me back from purchasing this machine before.

You have to be careful with the SCAD -> freeCad -> step. It often produces errors or artifacts that need to be cleaned up. I have converted many mk2s parts to step for my mods. I am about to embark on mk3 as well.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Does anyone know where the DXF for the sheet metal is?
It is not in the Github, at least where I looked.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

IMHO all files should be in step format, only if you do not want others to somehow modify your parts then you only provide stl format. But this is quite silly because people like me just put in some time and always remodel (reverse engineer) because I like to make my own optimized stl files.
Step is the best way to provide free models to other people, and making an stl file from a step file is just one click away, but reverse engineer something from a stl file is just a waste of time.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

IMHO all files should be in step format, only if you do not want others to somehow modify your parts then you only provide stl format. But this is quite silly because people like me just put in some time and always remodel (reverse engineer) because I like to make my own optimized stl files.
Step is the best way to provide free models to other people, and making an stl file from a step file is just one click away, but reverse engineer something from a stl file is just a waste of time.

i would like the CAD files, Step is just an "dumb" part. Of course better than an STL.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Just released: https://github.com/prusa3d/Heatbed_MK52_magnetic

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

After reading this I thought I'd try to convert an STL file into a solid model and was stymied. I passed the project on to one of the interns to see what he can come up with. At this point I'm in agreement with whoever said it would just be easier to reverse engineer any part you want as a model.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

IMHO all files should be in step format, only if you do not want others to somehow modify your parts then you only provide stl format. But this is quite silly because people like me just put in some time and always remodel (reverse engineer) because I like to make my own optimized stl files.
Step is the best way to provide free models to other people, and making an stl file from a step file is just one click away, but reverse engineer something from a stl file is just a waste of time.

Agree, STEP format is accepted by most CAD software.

If I am modifying a part or making a new one, it is often necessary to make/convert surrounding parts to make an assembly for test. That would be a lot easier if all parts had a STEP version (GitHub).

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

You guys are completely on point!

If anyone has the MK3 files in a .step file format already, I would love to have avalibility to them if someone could share them in a "normal" compatible file type.

I have not found a "easy" way to convert the .scad files.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Call me crazy, but I love that the parts are designed in OpenSCAD.

OK, maybe that’s like saying I enjoy whacking myself in the face with building lumber, but I just love the idea of programming things.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

Agreed. Nothing beats openscad for quick and simple parametric modeling. Gets tough if you are doing threads or more free form stuff, though.

Re: CAD models for MK3 parts

FYI, all the files for the metal frame parts are up now: https://github.com/prusa3d/Original-Prusa-i3/tree/MK3/Frame