Steep infuriating learning curve, Onshape.

[BrokenBiker]

Question for the onshapers, I only used cad for 3d printing and occasionally someone wants something drawn to be CNC machined so a 3d model is requested...

How, on free online onshape, do you export an STL for 3d printing?

 

[tigdlo]

Question for the onshapers, I only used cad for 3d printing and occasionally someone wants something drawn to be CNC machined so a 3d model is requested...

How, on free online onshape, do you export an STL for 3d printing?

Right click the part or the part name in the parts list and export, choose STL format.

 

[knighty]

Right click the part or the part name in the parts list and export, choose STL format.

this.... sometimes there's multiple parts listed even tho I've only drawn one thing (probably my lack of drawing skill)

just select them all then right click export.... it'll export as one thing :-)

 

[BrokenBiker]

Right click the part or the part name in the parts list and export, choose STL format.

this.... sometimes there's multiple parts listed even tho I've only drawn one thing (probably my lack of drawing skill)

just select them all then right click export.... it'll export as one thing :-)

Cheers both, I was looking for a drop down menu like fusion where you just click file, 3d print then click the part to print.

I prefer fusion, but I can see things in onshape that are easier, some are easier in fusion but handy to have both available

 

[tigdlo]

I think it's often down to which you learned first, that was Onshape for me. There are things I like in Fusions, e.g. easily dragging around 3d objects, that was useful when I was reorganising my hoard with euro boxes and buidling shelves, I prefer some of the surfacing tools in Fusion too.

 

[Onoff]

Coming from an AutoCAD background I was very impressed with NanoCAD for which I believe there's a free version.

Currently CAD less I am as my AutoCAD 2010 install keeps faulting. Lad is supposed to be upgrading my old pc and cleaning it up. Then I'm going to try and learn Fusion.

 

[Dr.Al]

I think it's often down to which you learned first, that was Onshape for me. There are things I like in Fusions, e.g. easily dragging around 3d objects, that was useful when I was reorganising my hoard with euro boxes and buidling shelves, I prefer some of the surfacing tools in Fusion too.

The thing about which you learnt first is definitely true. I started with FreeCAD, then Solid Edge, then Onshape, then ZW3D, then Solidworks. All of those are quite similar so none of the transitions were difficult. Solidworks is the one I find easiest, then Onshape, but they're all pretty similar. Fusion is okay, but different enough that I struggle a bit more. I'm sure if I'd started with Fusion I'd struggle with the others.

 

[ukracer]

It looks to me like you're exiting the sketch too early. There is (as far as I know) no way to drag a sketch around, but it's very easy to drag the sketch entities around when you're still in the sketch. To get from here:

View attachment 526163

to here:

View attachment 526164

I just clicked and dragged on one of the corners of the rectangle.

Yes thats my problem not being able to drag sketches.

 

[Erie Fred]

The thing about which you learnt first is definitely true. I started with FreeCAD, then Solid Edge, then Onshape, then ZW3D, then Solidworks. All of those are quite similar so none of the transitions were difficult. Solidworks is the one I find easiest, then Onshape, but they're all pretty similar. Fusion is okay, but different enough that I struggle a bit more. I'm sure if I'd started with Fusion I'd struggle with the others.

Does Onshape do sheetmetal functions like unfolding ?

 

[tigdlo]

Does Onshape do sheetmetal functions like unfolding ?

Yes, I have recently made this, the bend lines were extended in the (messy) drawing to give points to easily mark out. It worked well, surprisingly accurate considering I was bending between 2 pieces of angle iron.

 

[jimbo84]

Thanks to everyone for the input and advice. You lot have been way more help than any of the videos or tutorials I’ve found on line in terms of being able to understand the advice given.

I’m getting my head round it now and getting used to how it works.

Success in terms of drawing this design to the shape/s and in the exact dimensions I wanted.

Now to try and export it to an STL file to 3D print it.

 

[Erie Fred]

Thanks to everyone for the input and advice. You lot have been way more help than any of the videos or tutorials I’ve found on line in terms of being able to understand the advice given.

I’m getting my head round it now and getting used to how it works.

Success in terms of drawing this design to the shape/s and in the exact dimensions I wanted.

Now to try and export it to an STL file to 3D print it.

View attachment 526256

WooHoo !
Cooking with gas now.......

 

[tom2207]

I have been using FreeCad.....after a few teething problems, I'm doing o.k. with it.
It works just like Inventor (save for different names for commands).
Free, no internet connection needed, no limitations on file size that I have found (yet)

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD, the open source 3D parametric modeler

www.freecad.org

and then downloaded the sheetmetal add on.

yep I run it too , it just keeps getting better every week.

 

[Kram]

I'll need to give Onshape another try. I'm ok with parameteic, selecting items and typing all measurements and positions etc..

But how do you get to creating items/shapes/sketches? All I could see was the document stuff..
If I opened an existing model, I couldnt find the buttons or menus to work with it...

 

[ukracer]

Thanks to everyone for the input and advice. You lot have been way more help than any of the videos or tutorials I’ve found on line in terms of being able to understand the advice given.

I’m getting my head round it now and getting used to how it works.

Success in terms of drawing this design to the shape/s and in the exact dimensions I wanted.

Now to try and export it to an STL file to 3D print it.

View attachment 526256

Thats the easy part. Just remember to use the file menu to export..

 

[knighty]

I've done quite a bit of sheet metal stuff in onshape and then ordered it to be laser cut and bent.. really handy for that

One bonus if onshape is you can share a link so other ppl can look at what you've done... they can make a copy if you give them permission.... really handy when you're stuck and need a hand

 

[Dr.Al]

I'll need to give Onshape another try. I'm ok with parameteic, selecting items and typing all measurements and positions etc..

But how do you get to creating items/shapes/sketches? All I could see was the document stuff..
If I opened an existing model, I couldnt find the buttons or menus to work with it...

When go to cad.onshape.com you should see something like this:

Create a document and you'll see a pop-up asking for a name. Give it a name and click "Create public document" and you'll see this:

Click Sketch and then select one of the planes in the main view or, if you prefer, click on the planes in the main view and then click Sketch. Both ways work.

That'll give you this:

One oddity (compared to other CAD systems I've used) of Onshape is that it doesn't automatically reorient the view to the sketch (there might be a setting to make that happen). I normally just right-click and hit "View normal to sketch plane":

You can then start sketching with the various buttons on the toolbar:

Hope that helps

 

[iNf]

One oddity (compared to other CAD systems I've used) of Onshape is that it doesn't automatically reorient the view to the sketch (there might be a setting to make that happen). I normally just right-click and hit "View normal to sketch plane":

When you choose the plane you want to draw on, you can just press 'N' on the keyboard

 

[iNf]

This guy has some good tutorials Too Tall Toby
A bit of waffle to start but the linked video should take you through the basics.