STEP file not visible geometry in Path

Here's the place for discussion related to CAM/CNC and the development of the Path module.
Forum rules
Be nice to others! Respect the FreeCAD code of conduct!
Post Reply
Routerworks
Posts: 197
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:12 pm
Location: Florida

STEP file not visible geometry in Path

Post by Routerworks »

I'm trying to develop my use of Freecad Path for cnc 3D milling. I have been doing a lot reading regarding file formats. To make a long story short, I have been concentrating on converting mesh files for milling. I'm pretty comfortable with milling shapes I designed in Freecad CAD. My understanding to date is that a Mesh has to be reduced to number of triangles in the neighborhood of 50,000. then converted to a solid making sure the geometry is closed. Then exported as a STEP file. Then brought back into Freecad by opening (not importing, takes forever).
When I do this the geometry is seen in "Setup" but when I choose "Surface 3D mill" it doesn't see it. Needless to say I have been over this at least a 100 times. By reducing the facets to 12,500 it made a big difference in getting the file to open up. However no luck in developing a too path.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tried to attach it but still says the STEP file is too big.

Thanks
Routerworks
Posts: 197
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:12 pm
Location: Florida

Re: STEP file not visible geometry in Path

Post by Routerworks »

Here are my system details:

Code: Select all

OS: Windows 10 Version 2009
Word size of FreeCAD: 64-bit
Version: 0.20.29177 (Git)
Build type: Release
Branch: releases/FreeCAD-0-20
Hash: 68e337670e227889217652ddac593c93b5e8dc94
Python 3.8.10, Qt 5.15.2, Coin 4.0.1, Vtk 8.2.0, OCC 7.6.2
Locale: English/United States (en_US)
Installed mods: 
  * Assembly4
  * BOLTSFC
  * Curves 0.3.0
  * Estimate 0.1.2
  * ExplodedAssembly
  * fasteners
  * fcgear
  * kicadStepUpMod
  * lattice2
  * nurbs
  * pcb
  * POV-Ray-Rendering
  * python27_x64-ocl (1)
  * Render
  * sheetmetal
  * workfeature
  * workfeature-macro
jescombe
Posts: 90
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:19 pm

Re: STEP file not visible geometry in Path

Post by jescombe »

Hi, doesn't exactly answer your question, but this is what I do when creating path jobs from (for instance) STL mesh files.. Might be something useful in there?

https://wiki.freecadweb.org/FreeCAD_and_Mesh_Import
Joyas
Posts: 532
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 8:39 pm

Re: STEP file not visible geometry in Path

Post by Joyas »

I have the same problem, the STL files have been generated in Catia V5 (CGM) and cylinders have two halves (seams). If you want I can upload here a file.
Estudié ingeniería técnica industrial en España y sólo me ha servido para estar en el paro, no me contratan porque no tengo experiencia, y no tengo experiencia porque no me contratan. No debí estudiar esa carrera.
Post Reply