I have some ASM files from a client. I'm using Deep Exploration to convert them to 3DM so I can import them into MOI. However, MOI refuses to load them.

I also tried exporting as STP and I get the same result.

I've checked the converted files with Deep Exploration and they are fine.

Any idea what I can do to fix the situation? I can't post any of the models here unfortunately. They're all patented medical devices and I'm pretty sure I'd lose my job if I let them leave the office.

Thanks,

Paul

Are you sure that original files are real Nurbs and not polygons or other things ?

Honestly I don't know enough about CAD to tell. I just assumed if it's a Pro/Engineer Assembly file, it's going to be nurbs. It's the actual files they're using for manufacturing. I don't see any faceting in Deep Exploration when I zoom in either.

I might try downloading the Rhino trial and seeing what I can do with it.

Actually I'm going to upload an object that I'm positive they won't care about. It's a cylinder. Nothing proprietary there!

Have a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Paul

It's a polygon object.

I downloaded the Rhino demo and it could load them, but they looked like poly objects rather than nurbs.

It looks like Deep Exploration isn't doing what I need.

I'm just going to export them as very high res OBJs and then import them into Softimage and forget it. I wish MOI could load ASM files directly.

Paul

Hi paulrus,

I found this plugin for rhino3D
I hope it works out well for you.

http://www.rhino3d.com/resources/display.asp?language=en&listing=775

Thanks! But... did you see the pricing on the plug-in?

I'm just exporting OBJs directly from Deep Exploration and living with it. It's not as clean as MOI can do, but it'll do for now.

Paul

And you are not even sure with tis plugin to export Rhino--> Moi if it's polygons and 3DM! ;)
As 3Dm can support polygons and nurbs but Moi at this day support only nurbs!
You can only import inside MOI "structure of a polygons not a surface!

see Obj23dmWireframe converter (bottom page)
http://moi3d.com/resources

So do you then convert the OBJ to 3dm?

Easy for Rhino but seems difficult for Moi! :)

Can you get a direct STEP file out of Pro-E from your client? That might help avoiding translation issues into MoI i.e. nurbs vs. poly.

Michael T.

Unfortunately no. In general, my experience has been that if I ask for anything other than the raw file from the client the engineers pitch fits, cry, scream and moan about how hard it is to export stuff. I can't tell you how many times I've asked for a simple IGES file and instead was sent PDFs, JPGs, screen captures, or nothing at all (literally projects have been kept on hold for 2-3 weeks because an engineer complained it was too difficult to export an IGES file from SolidWorks).

I've given up asking for anything from engineers (which is why I purchased Deep Exploration). It takes away any excuse other than lawyers freaking out that I'm getting their CAD files.

Sorry if I offended any engineers out there! These are just my personal experiences..

-Paul

Hi Paul, it looks like you've got this all figured out, that was definitely a polygon mesh object in your cylinder 3DM file.


> I wish MOI could load ASM files directly.

The library that I use for importing various CAD formats like STEP, IGES, and SAT does not support ASM format without also additionally licensing this other library called Datakit, which is quite expensive. I think that's why that one plugin that you saw is so expensive, because it's based off of Datakit.

So I guess that could be possible but it would probably mean some major price increase for MoI in order to use that library.

- Michael

What is the % of users who has really need this ASM format?

Paul, which version of Deep Exploration are you using, Standard or CAD Edition?

If you're using the Standard Edition that would explain why the output is a polygon mesh.

BTW: An Engineer that thinks it's too hard to output an IGS or Step file from Solidworks,
needs to go back to school! :P

Hi Pilou,

> What is the % of users who has really need this ASM format?

I don't know the exact % number, but it does not seem to be requested very often though.

Most of the time STEP and IGES formats tend to be used for data translation between CAD programs, so usually the CAD operator will know to export to one of those formats if the model is going to be transferred to some other system.

- Michael

Asking the engineer for the original is like asking a pro photographer for the pictures. They will give prints, etc, but not the original. It would be like cutting him out of the loop of his work.

With that being said, An "ASM" file is an "assembly" file and may contain "Part" files from several different systems. Breaking down the assembly and getting at the original model, which could be several different formats from several different systems, could be a lot of work, and also present translation issues if the "assembler" doesnt have access to the original part creation software.. You may be asking the engineer to sit down and do several hours worth of work, to get you the part exported out.

I have always ask pro photographers for the original, especially when they expect good output.

For legal reasons, you can always set up a NDA, CA, CDA, PIA etc.

The point is if everyone co-operates then no one (usually contractor/subs) have to put in time for free,
and let's face it, if the engineer/photographer could do the service you offer for the price you
charge, then why would they be coming to you in the first place? =)

More than anything, it's about co-operation and respect in the age of specialization.

""""""""""and let's face it, if the engineer/photographer could do the service you offer for the price you
charge, then why would they be coming to you in the first place? =)""""""""

I suppose that would be the point. Asking the engineer to do a bunch of heavy lifting to get you the model, when he already told his boss it would be $1000, not $200. So the engineer sends an OBJ/STL and says, "good luck"....