Getting Solid Models Online 1

[jvo1]

I do my 3D Modeling in Inventor 10, and would like to get these solid models online. I want people to be able to download the solid model, and rotate it as needed. I'm relatively new to the process, but have been experimenting with .stl extensions, but that seems to leave the model completely unconstrained, even if I myself open it. Also, in one attempt at an assembly, I even ended up with all the parts merging into a single part, which was very odd.

The next step would be allowing the downloader to move the parts of the assembly that are allowed by the constraints, i.e., for a simple example, if there was a bearing around a shaft, the bearing could still rotate in their model.

Lastly, the mostly complicated goal (I dont know if it can be done) is to allow the downloader to download a single assembly, but by suppressing some features and unsuppressing others, have them be able to be able to look at multiple versions of the same product.

The primary goal is to get the solid models online and able to rotate. I'd appreciate any help I can get, or even a kick in the right direction. Thank you,

JasonE

 

[dsgnr1]

I don't have much experience with Inventor, but know that "e-drawings" viewer will do most of what you seek.
It can be downloaded here:

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/downloads.html

¿)

At some point you just have to shoot the engineer and build the dang thing.

 

[Heckler]

I would check with AutoDesk

 

[BSMECAD]

Hi Jason,

I would use 3D Partstream.NET

Here is the link:

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/products/3dpartstream/index.html

 

[dsgnr1]

Jason,
What's really nice about Edrawings is that you can send to client in various ways. (htm, easm, zip)

That is if the client does not have the software downloaded
(free) you can send so that they can view with Internet Explorer Browser. It is loads of help (picture = 1000 words) to get your ideas and designs across.

regards,

dsgnr1

¿)

At some point you just have to shoot the engineer and build the dang thing.

 

[Theophilus]

Jayson,

If your primary goal is to get the models online and able to rotate within a browser, dsgnr1's suggestions are the best I know of. eDrawings allows you to save a part, drawing, or assembly as an HTML file such that it becomes a web page with the model, drawing, assembly embedded within for viewing. Nice trick.

Also, with eDrawings, you can check an option to "Save Parts in STL Format" when you save the eDrawing document. It increases file size, but is able to be turned into rapid prototyping models (for SLA, SLS, etc.) directly from the eDrawing--very nice.

Check it out if you haven't already. You'll probably need the full version of eDrawings to do any of this (comes "free" with SolidWorks)--not just the viewer.


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[jvo1]

What I really liked when I looked at Partstream is the ease with which you can change the parameters of the model and view the result and rotate, and then download into nearly any extension you desire as a "dummy" model to plug into your assembly, no matter what 3D modeling you're using. Does eDrawings have the same capability?

The only downfall is although I cant find the price of Partstream, it surely isnt a free download like eDrawings.

Does anyone have a site that uses eDrawings that I may browse?

Thanks again.