I’m hoping someone here can give me some insight to correct the problems a clueless newbie has with his APS files…
My APS files all seem to have a step-deck/straighter outline through first 1’ of nose when imported into Shape3D (just starting to play with S3D). I have not had any of these APS files cut yet, and if the modeling in S3D is accurate, I’m glad they’re not.
If I remove the last nose slice (2" down from nose), the step-deck issue goes away but the outline through nose is still straight. The slice itself seems to be fine (?) and has been deleted/re-imported multiple times, and playing with the top-view points/tangents has not produced a cure. The rest of the board in S3D seems fine. At this point I am only interested in using S3D for the 3d modeling so I’m not quite ready to adjust my files outside of APS.
Questions -
Is S3D an accurate model of an APS3000 machine cut?
If so, is there a better solution than removing the last nose slice to clean up the step-deck issue? The APS tutorial appears to recommend a slice 2" from nose.
Is there something wrong I’m not aware of when importing to S3D that is removing outline curve in first 1’ of nose - or is excess length for machining purposes added into the modeling making the outline appear straighter through nose?
I hope I’ve been able to articulate this well enough… and would appreciate any help sorting this out.
The S3D images attached are of APS file with nose slice left in.
I think that the step-deck issue is related to my APS file. I’m guessing that the outline issue may be a related symptom if there are no problems when others import into S3D…?
I think it’s because S3D has an explicit tip and tail slice and APS does not. You have to adjust the S3D tip and tail slices to get the flow from/to the next slice in the board. I find that the end 6" of the board look better when cut from S3D than the APS software - more control over how the rails and decks flow into the tip.
Attached is a .brd file that has the same issues. If this isn’t a common occurrence, I’d imagine the problem is my APS files (or the files owner!).
I’m not quite ready to dive into S3D yet outside of using it as a tool for modeling, but if anyone has any input regarding making my file APS machine ready, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks Havard for the tip on overwriting. Can a S3D file be viewed in APS? Can an S3D file be converted to APS file without losing integrity in the process?
hey just wanted to help a little but the problem with this file is way to many control points in every aspect, dont know about other programs but aps3000 the least points the better design, look at this file compared to the one you put on. all you need is less information and it will flow.
I imported the file that you adjusted and it actually looks worse in Shape3D… I’m guessing that using S3D is more complex than just importing the .brd file for a good visual. I guess I’ll stick to APS and remove unnecessary slices/points as you suggest. Less info for flow definitely makes sense.
I was thinking of keeping the slice behind the center slice (a little less than a foot back) to give the single concave a starting point behind the wide point. Do you recommend against this?
That might be the problem. Remember to build slices from center outwards. Secondly, the .brd files contain a ‘dummy slice’ at nose and tail which consist of a single point. I have no idea why they put that in the file, it makes no sense at all.
As for converting .s3d to .brd I don’t think there is a way… yet. maybe the boardcad project will make it happen.
Put your slices at the point of maximum difference
That is - in the centre of the flat or the peak of the vee or the max depth of the concave - NOT at the point you want the feature to start
Then the software can flow from the concave to the flat, for instance - the transitions end up cut super subtle and smooth
Insert slices that hold the bottom shape if you want to adjust the rails between slices, then the smooth transitions in the bottom don’t get messed up.
