rapid prototyping models

i have access to a rapid prototyping machine, so if anyone knows how to use solid edge or autocad, and wants to model SS1 and/or some other xprize ships, i can make some and mail them to people. i can find a 3ds model of SS1 probably, so an alternative to modeling one would be if someone knows how to convert a .max file to a .slv (i think that's it) file, that would work too.

That sounds cool. Wish I could do any of those computer things you just mentioned....


binarysunrise

I am a 5yr user of Solid Edge (after many years on Autocad...will never go back to that program). I'll see what I can do for the community here and get some quick, 2-D & 3-D models/drafts generated of SS1. Because I don't have access to the real thing, these will be approximations based on scanned images. I can be reached at the following e-mail address.

kfrancis83@hotmail.com

I've just started with autocad and therefore wont be able to do anything with it worth any value fro some time, but it would be great to see what you guys can come up wth, let me know!

I was hoping someone with more experience with molding or mechanical would post. I guess AutoCad is no longer the program of choose for doing molding. I do have 10+ years on Acad 9-2002.

I will need to know how big “approximately” the final molding will be. So I know how much detail to put in to it. also any physical spec. you can find. This should allow me to make a full size model.

DJBREIT@ptd.net

as big as you want to make it, but i think around 6 in long'd be best. i'll look on the scaled site and see if i can get any physical specs. i know there are some 3ds max models out there of ss1, and if they're not the right specs, they'll probably be on scale.

EDIT: nope, the scaled site doesn't have the dimensions. if i have time later, i'll try to find a 3ds max model and get the dimensions from there.

I have found a program that converts a .3ds file to an .igs file. IGS files are widely used in engineering applications, so there should be an igs to slv convertor out there.

awesome! you can email it to me at terramars@gmail.com, and i'll see what i can do about getting it made. hopefully solid edge or autocad can do the conversion without a plugin.

ok I don't remember what I used to get IGS files, but here's two useful programs:
anim8or -lets you edit and export 3ds files and its free
crossroads-converts between a variety of formats

look them up on the net, both are free downloads

i have anim8or, but i also have 3ds max 5, so that's not an issue. i'll look up the crossroads program.

cool. 3ds is a good program. I haven't kepty current with the latest versions...I didn't like the max interface too much.

yea, it's not the most intuitive interface ever, but it's still not bad. btw, i looked for a free ss1 model, and i couldn't find one online. they are out there, but it might not be easy to get one. i'm sure one of the crossroads conversions will work in solid edge, but if i can't find a max model, someone may have to model it anyways.