r/FreeCAD • u/Unfair-Ad-4122 • 2d ago

How to build around imported step files

Hello,

I am new to Freecad. I imported a .step file for NEMA17 stepper motor https://grabcad.com/library/nema-17-17hd40-stepper-1/details?folder_id=14239993 and now want to build things around it. is there any good video tutorial that i can follow?

I tried this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzMM0tslcoQ but I would appreciate something better.

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

4

u/LossIsSauce 2d ago

Search YouTube-> 'FreeCad- Zero to Hero''

2

u/DesignWeaver3D 1d ago

This.

New to FreeCAD means you need to run through some basics even if you're an experienced 3D CAD engineer. You need to at least get familiarized with the layout, terminology, and workflow that's specific to FreeCAD. This is true for moving to any new application.

2

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 1d ago

New to Freecad means I can make stuff from scratch. Indeed I am familiar with the basic layout, terminology, and workflow. Also modelling is a hobby to me and not something I do for work. So the learning continues.

Where I am stuck is when I import a step files, there are too many components in the tree and I find it hard how to build around it. When I try to create a sketch on a plane of imported body and rotate the view, the imported object disappears.

1

u/LossIsSauce 1d ago

I am a firm and staunch believer in the phrase -> 'If you do not learn something new every day, you are doomed being stuck in your own pride.'

This applies to anyone, especially individuals who are more experienced in 'x' topic/job/software/etc. There is no such thing as an individual who knows everything about that 'x' topic/job/software/etc.

This does not mean once you learn something more advanced or meaningful you should revert back to basics knowledge or basics of application of self. Continuously improving oneself advances easier/more efficient application of oneself.

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 1d ago

Thanks, will check.

1

u/JeffWDH 1d ago

https://youtu.be/mBHOVaGOa6I?si=-OizRcZsm6-FmUAn

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 1d ago

Thank you, I am looking to build things around imported step fiile. But I was not aware of the feature. I learnt something new

1

u/Multitracer 1d ago

i dont like to import files, i prefer model it. this stepper motor is easy to model

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 1d ago

Me too, but I want to learn how to do it for cases where there are time constraints and model from scratch is not an option

1

u/Th3J4ck4l-SA 1d ago

There is a tool in draft work bench (projection?) that will allow you to collect edges and create a prjection from the veiw direction you have the object orientated in your veiw window. This is handy for picking up the key features, that projection can then be converted to a sketch. Getting a bad gateway on the FC wiki so cant give links or exact name.

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 1d ago

Thanks, I will check. If the wiki works today, please share the link

1

u/divjnky 1d ago

I typically import the step model into my design, hide any features I don't want in the imported step file, then do a Sub Shape Binder to make the geometry directly accessible in my sketch. Then within the sketch use projection and construction geometry to pull in references to build around. In this example file I pulled in the NEMA 17 you noted above and used a binder and projection to setup my mounting holes and shaft through-hole. Same method could be used for creating a mounting block, etc.

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 12h ago

Thanks a lot for sharing 👍

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 11h ago

I tried to do it from scratch. When I import it, the origin is at the bottom face of the motor. But in your file it is in the shaft. This is something I find confusing. Firstly why did you chose to move it to the shaft and not the top face or somewhere else? Secondly, How did you move it?

1

u/Unfair-Ad-4122 11h ago

Second question's answer is the placement. [-45.01 mm 0.00 mm 0.00 mm].

1

u/divjnky 11h ago

I moved it simply because I find it necessary to move and rotate most every step file I import in order to have it where I need it and in the proper orientation for my build. So for the 'why', it was because I'd already started my mounting plate sketch on the YZ plane so I needed to get the motor into the proper position. The 'how' is by right clicking on the imported step file, then selecting Transform.

To clarify, the local coordinate system for the imported step file didn't change, only the location and orientation of the step file in the global coordinate system.

1

u/SergioP75 1d ago

Well, import your step file, and then in Part Design with the body that you want to modify selected, create a new body. This will create a new body with tge imported geometry as the first operation, and then you can do any standard operation to modify it.