3D printed waveguides

[DanP]

Aspire won't import/read .step/.stp files, seems odd? .stl files are primarily 3D print or stereolithography files. Does it read .dxf, .dwg? No reason a .stl file couldn't be converted to another format, or read as a part file, but it seems limiting for exchanging designs.

STL can't be converted to anything, unfortunately. It's just a collection of triangles.

Dan

[TN Allen]

I found the following link to Aspire Import file options, it is somewhat limited.

http://support.vectric.com/aspire-qu...an-be-imported

I looked at Aspire a few years ago as it was provided with a Precix CNC router bought by the school where I teach. It seemed, provided I remember correctly, well suited to converting images to CNC toolpaths for signmakers, but probably can do much more. I think several people on this forum are using it, perhaps they can elaborate.

I suspect Fusion 360, Rhino, Solidworks, and other CAD programs for more general use, can do much more than Aspire. I decided to stay with KeyCreator and Key Machinist as these have done all I've needed, including complex design and milling projects.

[Mike220]

At some point i may get a better software. I just really cant justify spending more on software at the moment. I tried fusion but it seems about 5x harder to learn and navigate than vcarve/aspire. I gotta find a student that can get a discount on rhino or something!

[TN Allen]

Fusion 360 has/had great training videos. You might see if these are still on YouTube. Brandon might have some suggestions too for learning to use it.

I wasn't suggesting Aspire is inadequate for wg design. It seemed to me specifically well suited for generating toolpaths from images, rather than a general design program. No doubt it does more than my limited look suggested. I was also curious about its import options.

Any of these programs require considerable effort to learn, in my opinion, but offer great potential benefit as well. Much depends upon what a person intends to design.

[xmax]

Aspire works well for round wave guides, I ran into issues trying to create elliptical guides,
when trying to create a profile the "throat" was deeper on the vertical axis. That's where
Pete came in.

[andy19191]

STEP is an extraordinarily bloated format which small software companies will find expensive to implement. This appears to have been deliberate when the standard was put together to replace IGES in the 80s. It is only now 30 years later that it is starting to be partially supported in open software and is why IGES from the time of punch cards and paper tape has lasted way past it's use by date.

[TN Allen]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES

The above is an interesting short read.

I've found IGES the most reliable format for importing SolidWorks, which is parametric, part files into KeyCreator, which is direct design. Some people on campus use SW, but have no way to generate tool paths, so we convert their files to KC psrt files (CKD), then generate the G-code. It appears from what I read above, that this is exactly what IGES was intended to do well.

Isn't Pete using Aspire?

[Pete Schumacher]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES

The above is an interesting short read.

I've found IGES the most reliable format for importing SolidWorks, which is parametric, part files into KeyCreator, which is direct design. Some people on campus use SW, but have no way to generate tool paths, so we convert their files to KC psrt files (CKD), then generate the G-code. It appears from what I read above, that this is exactly what IGES was intended to do well.

Isn't Pete using Aspire?

Yes. Using Aspire.

[TN Allen]

Pete, have you found any problems generating wgs with Aspire? Just curious.

I just looked at pricing for Aspire, KeyCreator, Rhino and SolidWorks, a bit of a shock! The prices are humbling.

Rhino looks like a really good deal, comparatively, Fusion 360 even better, when free.

[bwaslo]

When examining some of the examples from a low cost 3d printer I was concerned about the likely structural integrity of a thin structure like a waveguide. Is this a recognised problem?

I've printed some large waveguides using a 1mm nozzle, about 60% infill. Strength is pretty good, but the PLA filament I used can be brittle -- if the wg twists or warps when tightening the screws too hard, the guide can crack. Mine did, but metal-bearing epoxy (JB Weld) filled well with no problems I've seen other than appearance. I also painted mine with plastic spray paint to make the color more even. The speakers came out very nicely sound-wise. I use a grille so not too concerned with waveguide appearance, though.

[andy19191]

I've printed some large waveguides using a 1mm nozzle, about 60% infill. Strength is pretty good, but the PLA filament I used can be brittle -- if the wg twists or warps when tightening the screws too hard, the guide can crack. Mine did, but metal-bearing epoxy (JB Weld) filled well with no problems I've seen other than appearance. I also painted mine with plastic spray paint to make the color more even. The speakers came out very nicely sound-wise. I use a grille so not too concerned with waveguide appearance, though.

Thanks for the input. It is good to know that successful repairs have been made for printed parts that are being used. Did you compare filament types and opt for PLA or was it more of a default choice?

[bwaslo]

Default choice. PLA is supposed to be easiest to print, and something this large looked like going with easy was a good approach. I think making one with nylon would be neat, but warping could be a problem and I'd have to make changes to my printer. Helps that PLA is also the least expensive anymore, keeping the cost of failed prints from getting too painful.

[TN Allen]

Epoxy worked well gluing the segments of this smart phone horn. I need to check which filament was used to print it. It has been used in several places since Feb., without any indication of the Epoxy bond failing. The Corian top is also glued to the horn with Epoxy, and the horn to the signmakers foam and Corian base. This a way to print and assemble small parts to make an object larger than can be printed as a single part.

Checked, the filament is ABS.

[augerpro]

Ha, that's pretty cool Tim!

[carlthess40]

I've printed some large waveguides using a 1mm nozzle, about 60% infill. Strength is pretty good, but the PLA filament I used can be brittle -- if the wg twists or warps when tightening the screws too hard, the guide can crack. Mine did, but metal-bearing epoxy (JB Weld) filled well with no problems I've seen other than appearance. I also painted mine with plastic spray paint to make the color more even. The speakers came out very nicely sound-wise. I use a grille so not too concerned with waveguide appearance, though.

How much would you charge for 2 or 4 of these horn manifold setup ?