Is the a way to copy/reference plane/axis from a different part?

[Toybuilder]

I realize this may be outside of the intended normal workflow, but I have a STEP model of a mini remote that I scanned with a 3D scanner, and I would like to model a "nest" for it. I'd like to do it cleanly, rather than to boolean to the scanned part.



I initially started by created reference geometries in the original part to represent the idealized planes/axes that I would like to model to.


But these geometries are not available to me when I am working o a different part.

Instead, I tried to make similar set of geometries in the new part. However, when I try to do that, I am unable to pick vertices from the original part (for example) to define a plane using three points. A workaround appears to be to pick edges to define points at a ratio along an edge. With that, it looks like I can start building up the geometries to work on modeling the new part.





By creating planes and axes, I can then start sketching edges that I think I need to build the part.



I am still trying to get my head fully wrapped around how to do all of this... Am I going about this the wrong way?

 

[Toybuilder]

If anyone wants to play with the data, here is a package of what I've managed so far...

 

[JimCad]

Could you build an identical part on top of the scanned part? Turn off the scanned part. Then boolean the new part onto another to create your nest?
Bear in mind I've not tried this sort of thing yet. Just using "fresh eyes"

Jim

 

[stepalibre]

I am unable to pick vertices from the original part (for example) to define a plane using three points.

You shouldn't need to create points if vertices are in the model and select vertices is turned on:

 

[Toybuilder]

You shouldn't need to create points if vertices are in the model and select vertices is turned on:

I can pick vertices when I have the part opened for editing. But when I am working on the nest, I can't pick vertices off the remote. I can pick vertices off the nest while editing it.

 

[Toybuilder]

Well, it was a bit cumbersome, but I was able to make a nest that fit perfectly on the first try!

https://imgur.com/khBYViY

 

[JimCad]

Can't see anything but glad you got it sorted.

 

[Toybuilder]

I was having problems pasting my link to imgur -- try clicking here.

 

[JimCad]

Neat holder. Nice job.

Jim

 

[Toybuilder]

Hmm, I think this is conceptually similar problem as described here(link) about using a skeleton part/assembly? While I'm happy to have finished my nest for the remote, I'd love to have the process be easier for future, more complex, projects.

 

[tyc]

Your remote holder looks great! Well done.
One thing you could do is to create the CAD model for 3D scanned part first, then use the boolean tools/top-down design technics to create the holder.

I have been involved in 3D scanning over the past couple of weeks, and I've found that Alibre struggles to import large tessellated data, which inherently contains many triangular surfaces when converted to the formats that Alibre can handle. While Alibre can achieve great results with a bit of patience and planning, I have discovered other tools on the market specifically designed for reverse engineering. One option is Quicksurface(cost-effective), while another is Design X.

What’s interesting about Design X is that it is actually a fork of Alibre Design. It has evolved from Alibre Design to Geomagic Design, and is now known as Design X. It is quite expensive, but it offers excellent tools for those who truly need them.

 

[dwc]

You have a great result, congrats.
But that part is simple enough that I wonder if there is any win in scanning in it.
It shouldn't take long to measure that and model the part close enough to make a holder around it.

 

[NateLiquidGravity]

What’s interesting about Design X is that it is actually a fork of Alibre Design. It has evolved from Alibre Design to Geomagic Design, and is now known as Design X.

Sources for this claim are needed.

 

[tyc]

Sources for this claim are needed.

https://www.designnews.com/3d-printing-software/3d-systems-acquires-alibre

3D Systems to Drive Adoption of Additive Manufacturing in Production Environments with the Acquisition of Oqton | 3D Systems

3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today is pleased to announce an agreement to acquire Oqton, a software company that is a leader in the creation of a new breed of intelligent, cloud-based Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) platform.

www.3dsystems.com

Our History

| Our History

oqton.com

Please take a look at the links above.

***editing after a day from the original post***

It turned out that my assumptions were not correct. I should've researched it more thoroughly before reaching to a false conclusion. After some Wikipedia searches and Alibre forum posts leading me to the following information;

The relationship between Geomagic, Alibre, and 3D Systems has evolved over the years through acquisitions and changes in ownership. Here’s an overview of that relationship, including the re-acquisition of Alibre software by its original owners:

Timeline and Relationships​

1. Founding of Alibre:
   • 1997: Alibre, Inc. is founded, developing Alibre Design, a parametric 3D CAD software aimed at small to medium-sized businesses.
2. Acquisition by Geomagic:
   • 2010: Geomagic acquires Alibre, Inc., bringing Alibre Design under its umbrella. This acquisition allows Geomagic to expand its product offerings in the CAD market and integrate its 3D scanning and reverse engineering technologies with Alibre Design.
3. Acquisition of Geomagic by 3D Systems:
   • 2013: 3D Systems, a leading provider of 3D printing solutions, acquires Geomagic. This acquisition includes Geomagic Design X and other software products, further enhancing 3D Systems' portfolio in the 3D modeling and scanning space.
4. Independence of Alibre:
   • 2014: After the acquisition of Geomagic by 3D Systems, Alibre Design continues to be developed as part of Geomagic's offerings. However, it operates somewhat independently within the larger organization.
5. Re-acquisition by Original Owners:
   • 2018: Alibre is re-acquired by its original founders, including the original CEO, who sought to bring the software back to its roots and focus on the needs of its user base. This move allows Alibre to operate independently again, with a renewed focus on developing Alibre Design and catering to its customers without the constraints of being part of a larger corporation.

Current Relationship​

• Alibre: Now operates independently, focusing on enhancing Alibre Design and serving its user community.
• Geomagic: Continues to develop its suite of 3D scanning and reverse engineering software, including Geomagic Design X, as part of 3D Systems.
• 3D Systems: Maintains ownership of Geomagic and its software products, integrating them into its broader 3D printing and manufacturing solutions.

Summary​

In summary, the relationship between Geomagic, Alibre, and 3D Systems has been shaped by acquisitions and strategic decisions. Alibre is now an independent entity again, while Geomagic operates under the umbrella of 3D Systems, focusing on its specialized software for 3D scanning and reverse engineering. The re-acquisition of Alibre by its original owners has allowed it to refocus on its core CAD offerings.

 

[DavidJ]

What’s interesting about Design X is that it is actually a fork of Alibre Design. It has evolved from Alibre Design to Geomagic Design, and is now known as Design X. It is quite expensive, but it offers excellent tools for those who truly need them.

Not quite the case - the Geomagic product line existed before 3D Systems purchased Alibre. Design X (and indeed Wrap) were around at that time, and continue long after 3D Systems sold Alibre back to some of the original team. Alibre Design was known as Geomagic Design for a few years - very confusing as it it had nothing in common with Geomagic Design X which was a vastly more expensive product aimed specifically at reverse engineering.

 

[JimCad]

Thanks David.
I'm very pleased that it was sold back to "some of the original team."
I think the current people running Alibre are doing a fantastic job of supplying an exceptional product at a superb price and long may that continue.
Thank you Max & Co.

Jim

 

[Toybuilder]

You have a great result, congrats.
But that part is simple enough that I wonder if there is any win in scanning in it.
It shouldn't take long to measure that and model the part close enough to make a holder around it.

Thanks!

I'm still learning how to crawl, let alone walk, on the workflow to capture scans and then model against that. The remote is actually perfect because it has some details that are a little more involved to capture -- there are tilted surfaces (they are not all orthogonal) -- and there are fillets that make it harder to catch edges for measurement.

The nice thing about scanned data is that you can have a higher confidence / lower uncertainty. The nest I made fit perfectly the first time. I don't think I could have done as well with manual reconstruction.

 

[Toybuilder]

Your remote holder looks great! Well done.
One thing you could do is to create the CAD model for 3D scanned part first, then use the boolean tools/top-down design technics to create the holder.

I have been involved in 3D scanning over the past couple of weeks, and I've found that Alibre struggles to import large tessellated data, which inherently contains many triangular surfaces when converted to the formats that Alibre can handle. While Alibre can achieve great results with a bit of patience and planning, I have discovered other tools on the market specifically designed for reverse engineering. One option is Quicksurface(cost-effective), while another is Design X.

What’s interesting about Design X is that it is actually a fork of Alibre Design. It has evolved from Alibre Design to Geomagic Design, and is now known as Design X. It is quite expensive, but it offers excellent tools for those who truly need them.

Thanks. I don't have currently have a paying project that I can justify purchasing those tools! So far, using Meshmixer and TurboCAD in the work pipeline has been good enough, but I definitely need to keep looking into other tools!

 

[tyc]

Not quite the case - the Geomagic product line existed before 3D Systems purchased Alibre. Design X (and indeed Wrap) were around at that time, and continue long after 3D Systems sold Alibre back to some of the original team. Alibre Design was known as Geomagic Design for a few years - very confusing as it it had nothing in common with Geomagic Design X which was a vastly more expensive product aimed specifically at reverse engineering.

Fair enough. The history of DesignX looks far more convoluted than I would have imagined. I watched a couple of tutorials on how to process scan data with DesignX. The part tree and a few other aspects of the software reminded me of Alibre Design. This is why I assumed that Alibre is a basis for their software.

Thanks. I don't have currently have a paying project that I can justify purchasing those tools! So far, using Meshmixer and TurboCAD in the work pipeline has been good enough, but I definitely need to keep looking into other tools!

Meshmixer is a great tool and it is free. I'm not sure how TurboCAD fits in the workflow though. Nevertheless, there are so many options available, whether you are looking for a hobby or for commercial projects.

 

[Toybuilder]

Fair enough. The history of DesignX looks far more convoluted than I would have imagined. I watched a couple of tutorials on how to process scan data with DesignX. The part tree and a few other aspects of the software reminded me of Alibre Design. This is why I assumed that Alibre is a basis for their software.



Meshmixer is a great tool and it is free. I'm not sure how TurboCAD fits in the workflow though. Nevertheless, there are so many options available, whether you are looking for a hobby or for commercial projects.

Meshmixer will not generate STEP, so I use TurboCAD to do the conversion. Just using a tool I already have installed and know.