NEW 200+ Part Community CAD Library

[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

[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

[R.C.]

Nice to hear from you ED and...

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

I and the team of 1323 tried to give credit those people that have parts uploaded on the site, we do not by any means want to offend anyone by taking a drawing and labeling it someone elses. I have been collecting parts personally and editing them over the years. I may have made a mistake. If Drawings were labeled the contributor if it was fixed, modified or done better. If there are any disputes, please go to the contact page of the site and report it.

-RC

Ed, if they're are any parts that are purely yours, just please report them via the contact page. I know I have parts saved for the past 4 years and I personally used the FIRST CAD library. I don't put FCL in front of my parts gotten from the First CAD library or from 3d in front of 3d content central parts, after 4 years of Part making/collecting, people tend to forget the source. I would rather have people email me " Hey, I think this part was orginally so and so's, can you take a look at it." Instead of posting here. That is why there is a contact page for this issue.

Also NEW WHEELS are up aka Banebots. Cad Library updates will be here.

Thank you Ed,

-RC

[lynca]

Would it be possible to Save the Solidworks files in an older format? My 08-09 version of Solidworks does not accept Future versions of solidworks files.

I would hope solidworks has a way of saving files in a version independent format.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by lynca

Would it be possible to Save the Solidworks files in an older format? My 08-09 version of Solidworks does not accept Future versions of solidworks files.

I would hope solidworks has a way of saving files in a version independent format.

It doesn't allow you to "SAVE" in past versions, but Marie gave me another option. You or I could upload the file to 3d Content Central and from there you can redownload it in "2007 Version". Or you can just drag and drop the STEP or IGES format into solidworks. If you want the featuretree data, you can enable featureworks.

Hope that helps,

-RC

[Ed Sparks]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Ed, if they're are any parts that are purely yours, just please report them via the contact page. I know I have parts saved for the past 4 years and I personally used the FIRST CAD library. I don't put FCL in front of my parts gotten from the First CAD library or from 3d in front of 3d content central parts, after 4 years of Part making/collecting, people tend to forget the source. I would rather have people email me " Hey, I think this part was orginally so and so's, can you take a look at it." Instead of posting here. That is why there is a contact page for this issue.

Let me try this again ........

If you read a really good novel but you just didn't like the ending so much, I doubt the origional writer (or publisher) would like it if you republished the novel with the last 2 chapters changed to give it your new ending. In fact, I'd be willing to bet it would be financially painful.

I'm not sure why the burden is put on the origional publisher to report ownership of posted models. It's clear to me that many of your models originated from the FCL without giving credit to FCL. The only other library with permission to repost my content in any form is 3DContentCentral.com.

You should limit your content on your website to your origional work and not "collect" or "tweek" others work. If you don't like a model on the FCL, just model a different version ........ from the beginning. It doesn't make a lot of sense for me to invest the time and money into FCL just to have others claim it. FCL models are free to all teams to use as they see fit for developing FRC designs but they should not be part of other website content unless they have an agreement with FCL.

There's clearly room for all of us. Just post stuff that's "purely" your own.

Just say'n .........

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

Let me try this again ........

If you read a really good novel but you just didn't like the ending so much, I doubt the origional writer (or publisher) would like it if you republished the novel with the last 2 chapters changed to give it your new ending. In fact, I'd be willing to bet it would be financially painful.

I'm not sure why the burden is put on the origional publisher to report ownership of posted models. It's clear to me that many of your models originated from the FCL without giving credit to FCL. The only other library with permission to repost my content in any form is 3DContentCentral.com.

You should limit your content on your website to your origional work and not "collect" or "tweek" others work. If you don't like a model on the FCL, just model a different version ........ from the beginning. It doesn't make a lot of sense for me to invest the time and money into FCL just to have others claim it. FCL models are free to all teams to use as they see fit for developing FRC designs but they should not be part of other website content unless they have an agreement with FCL.

There's clearly room for all of us. Just post stuff that's "purely" your own.

Just say'n .........

Ed, Just please email me a list of parts you want removed. I do not remember which parts are yours, when we created the new library. We tried to stay away from your parts as much as possible and did not download any when we were working on the site, we did not steal or take any of your parts on purpose. That is why we don't have an extrusion section at the moment. Most of our content is different and we tried to stay original as possible. I am sorry if the Library has offended you, I would love to clear up any misunderstandings and remove/edit any drawings.

Whichever parts are bugging you, just please send me an email. I am going through and looking at the library and there are a few models that I may see being yours, not many. Most parts were drawn from scratch and we tried to keep it to our own drawings. When zipping and spending time uploading parts I knew I was going to make a mistake. SO THERE IS A REPORT SECTION TO THE SITE, I Kindly ask you to report files and they will be removed.

-RC

P.s. Yes, I do understand your comment, I am not ignoring it. I would love to talk about this more in depth via AIM or IIRC. Thanks Ed.

[mplanchard]

Hi RC

Please contact me in a private message and I can assist you.

You want to keep the parts in native SolidWorks format for new technologies. It is true that for the First competition you need to make a robot in 6 weeks so you dont worry so much about design iterations.

However, look at NI Soft Motion for SolidWorks a new technology http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/372876a.pdf
to simulate your robot with actual motion profiles that allow you to simulate mechanical dynamics, including mass and friction effects, cycle times, and individual component performance before specifying a single physical part and connecting it to an actual control algorithm. From SolidWorks models and SolidWorks Motion parameters, information is transfered into Lab VIEW.

Also SolidWorks works with Microsoft Robotics Studio by exporting collada format.

You don't know what the future will bring but you can expect their will be change. Marie

[R.C.]

Wow, this is amazing cool. I will for sure have to play around with this.

Thank you Marie and I will be contacting you soon.

-RC

[AndyB]

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

If you read a really good novel but you just didn't like the ending so much, I doubt the origional writer (or publisher) would like it if you republished the novel with the last 2 chapters changed to give it your new ending. In fact, I'd be willing to bet it would be financially painful.

With all due respect, there's a difference between a novel and CAD model. One is a work of creativity and the other is a work of science. Whether or not a novel is "bad" is a matter of opinion. CAD files are either correct, or they aren't.

However, I completely agree that all creators should be recognized and that credit should be given where credit is due. I don't think it's right for someone to take a part from a site like FCL, make a small change, and post it as their original work. Even if it's a matter of using one of FCL's iParts in your released assembly.

I love FCL and have used it (and referred others to it) faithfully over the past 5 years. Thank you for your hard work. I share your concerns about accuracy and precision of publicly available models. And it's not really any of my business, but I'd suggest you add a note to FCL with a request that none of your work be republished without your permission.

-----

RC,
I did my best to cite all original authors when submitting parts to you. Here is a more organized list:

6" AndyMark Mecanum Wheels: Used original models from AndyMark. Textures, materials, and assembly by me.
6" AndyMark Plaction Wheel: 100% original.
BaneBots Wheels: 100% original.
4" Plastic Omni Wheel: Used original models from AndyMark. Textures, materials, and assembly by me.
6" Plastic Omni Wheel: Used original models from AndyMark. Textures, materials, and assembly by me.
8" Plastic Omni Wheel: Modified AndyMark models. Textures, materials, and assembly by me. Modifications consisted of adding webbing to the main structure.
AndyMark Performance Wheels: 100% original.

Good luck in maintaining MadTown CAD Library. I'll continue to submit in the future. However, I would love to see some set of standards in place for anyone who is submitting their work. Let me know if you want some help, or need an opinion.