NEW 200+ Part Community CAD Library

[Jeff 801]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

It'd be really nice if you could save them a few years back.

Sadly we can't save them in an older version of inventor because the models were created in 2008 or 2009 depending on the part and there is no way currently to save to an older version. Because of that we have uploaded STEP and IGES models.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Jeff 801

Sadly we can't save them in an older version of inventor because the models were created in 2008 or 2009 depending on the part and there is no way currently to save to an older version. Because of that we have uploaded STEP and IGES models.

You can open the .step and .iges files and save them as older version with an older version of the software.

You could ask the user to do this, but a site such as this should really be appealing to the user in my opinion.

[ATannahill]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

You can open the .step and .iges files and save them as older version with an older version of the software.

You could ask the user to do this, but a site such as this should really be appealing to the user in my opinion.

Sorry, I only have Inventor 2009, what do you have? It is ridiculous to ask them to make different copies for each different version, that is more work and more space used.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

Sorry, I only have Inventor 2009, what do you have? It is ridiculous to ask them to make different copies for each different version, that is more work and more space used.

If the creators expect this to be something the entire community will utilize, then it's not ridiculous to expect them to make different copies, it's what they'll have to do.

This is why FIRST CAD Library is good. You may not get a native file that you can easily modify, but you'll get an accurate file that you can bring into any CAD program, whether your software is 15 years old or brand new.

Personally I don't care about the file type. I'd be happy with IGES, STEP, or Parasolid files for everything, so long as they're accurately modeled. I don't see why I'd ever want the feature tree from Solidworks, for example, of a COTS/KOP item.

[Ed Sparks]

Originally Posted by Cory

..... This is why FIRST CAD Library is good. You may not get a native file that you can easily modify, but you'll get an accurate file that you can bring into any CAD program, whether your software is 15 years old or brand new.

Hey! You guys keep this thing going and I might be able to retire!

I struggled for a long time about opening up the FCL to outside contributions and decided against it so I'm glad to see another sites pick this up. Cory makes the ultimate point in my opinion. You need to find a way to maintain the integrity of your content. There's nothing more frustrating than to cut a part based on an external model's dimensions only to find out that it wasn't accurate enough. Not that everything on FCL is perfect but I put a lot of effort in accuracy. Know too that even the generic model formats have trouble importing into older versions of CAD SW. I've had trouble in the past using AndyMark STEP files in my older versions of Inventor so I often just redraw them. This doesn't seem to be the case going the other way. I use Inventor 6 not only to keep the Inventor folks happy but the exported generic formats seem to be universally understood. FCL is not behind the times in my choice of development CAD software, it's just the way I choose to keep everything as universally compatable as I can. Be sure the posted work is origional and not copies of others work on other sites. It's a little anoying to see your work posted with someone else taking credit (or ask them if it's OK). There are several FCL models already posted on this new site and I didn't put them there. Also, IMHO, it's also not too cool to "tweak" or "Collect" someone elses work and call it you own. You should give the origional author credit. Another suggestion is to not worry too much about textures and other such details. These things are easily added, besides the generic formats don't usually contain this info. Keep your website as simple as you can (slow = frustration). Use high contrast in your color selections. Dark gray on Black is tough on old guys like me.

I'll be glad to help you in any way I can..........

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

Sorry, I only have Inventor 2009, what do you have? It is ridiculous to ask them to make different copies for each different version, that is more work and more space used.

They would actually only need to make one file per each software, it would just be an older one.

I still have inventor 2008, I only keep it for working with people who have inventor, I'll probably eventually upgrade. My team will also being using solidworks 2008 until near the start of the season. There are various logistical reasons for this.

There are some teams out there still using software several years old... I know they can get new software, they might know, but it doesn't really matter.

With just about any service or product, you have to think about the user. Like with webpages, if you're site looks awful with internet explorer, you can't just say it's the users fault for being stupid and using internet explorer.

And for reference, FirstCADlibrary uses inventor 6-7 or so If I remember right.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

Sorry, I only have Inventor 2009, what do you have? It is ridiculous to ask them to make different copies for each different version, that is more work and more space used.

Space is cheap though if they decide to offer multiple version they will need a better method of selecting the various file types.

[R.C.]

Just to clear up the issue with the File Format.

We (the creators) will not be saving the file formats lower. I will just go ahead and apologize. There is no way to make everyone happy. Jeff and I talked at great lengths to make it easy for everyone. That is why we tried to accommodate everyone by making a STEP and IGES copy of everything.

Just to make sure stuff worked, I opened up a STEP file with Solidworks 2007 and it worked. If you want all "THE FEATURE TREE" data, please go ahead and redraw the parts in an older version. It is really not that hard to drag and drop an IGES or STEP into your CAD program.

-RC

[mplanchard]

RC

This is a great library - you have really done a lot of work. For the parts you created in native SolidWorks format, you can load them to
www.3DContentCentral.com - then they will be able to be downloaded in SolidWorks 2007, 2008, 2009. You will also be able to download them in previous versions of other cad software, both 3d and 2d formats. This is important because many teams do not upgrade each year. As model files get big, you can use configurations to make a simplified version.

I created tags for 2009kop, 2008kop, FRC, supplier name, part number, for some of the parts I created last year making it easier to find what you are looking for. Searching becomes more challanging as the part library gets bigger.

Regards,
Marie

[MMassoni11]

Excellent! This is a wonderful site, and I'll definitely need to use some of those electrical models once I get through the extensive tutorials. I'll also try to contribute once I get better at solidworks!

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Jared341

Well done guys, thanks!

The parts look great, and I love the "open source" aspect of the library. A few thoughts:

1. The site looks clean and professional, but I'd do away with the frames and just let people scroll.

2. Are you at some point planning a more automated way of uploading content? I think that even without a system for this, the site is going to rock, but a nice interface would put it over the top.

I've sent the link on to my teams' CAD folks - hopefully they will be able to contribute as next season approaches!

I can't wait for the CAD, as for automation. I have a ftp setup. I am open to options:

-I can setup up an FTP which has a login
-Send me the files through email
-Or if there is another way?

I will work on the frames and try different things to move away from them. Just while making the site, frames worked pretty well.

Thanks,

-RC