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How To Reuse CAD

In DynaMaker you can reuse your 2D and 3D files created in other softwares and visualize them right away together with your parametric models built in DynaMaker.

3D Files​

The file formats that can be uploaded for further use in DynaMaker are .step, .glb and .stl for static models.

As an example, we will work with a valve. Then:

  1. download this valve (.step).
  2. create a Visualization Model to place your valve.
  3. Then the 3D model can be uploaded in two different ways, via the Editor or via Assets:

a) Editor​

  • At the top of the Editor of your package with a Visualization Model, click Insert/Upload > Upload (.glb, .stl, .stp, .step).
  • Choose the file VALVE.step and finally click Create.

b) Assets​

Ideal when uploading multiple files at once, you can upload all your files first and then use them in the editor. For this:

  • In Assets, click Upload File and choose file.
  • Keep Automatically create static models from GLB/STL files selected and Upload.
  • Then, step into the visualization model building block, via Insert/Upload, chose the existing model via the dropdown Select or search existing item and create it.
tip

Once uploaded in Assets, you can use the resulting static model in any building block like:

const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
const valveStaticModel = ASSETS.STATIC_MODELS.VALVE
group.addGeometry(valveStaticModel)

2D Files​

The file format that can be uploaded for further use in DynaMaker is .dxf for static sketches.

As an example, we will work with a cross section of a beam. Then:

  1. download this beam profile (.dxf).
  2. create a Visualization Model to place your beam.
  3. Then the 2D file can be uploaded in two different ways, via the Editor or via Assets:

a) Editor (only for 3D Extrusion)​

  • At the top of the Code Editor of your package, click Extrude > Upload (.dxf).
  • Choose the file PROFILE 75X75.dxf and finally click Create.

b) Assets​

Ideally when having many files to upload at once, you can upload all your files first and then use them in the editors. For this:

  • In Assets, click Upload File and choose file.
  • Keep Automatically create static sketches from DXF files selected and Upload.
  • Then in your visualization model building block, add it to a layout with layout.addSketch(), that is added to the group:
tip

Once uploaded in Assets, you can use the resulting static sketch in any building block like:

const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
const layout = new SKYCAD.Layout()
const profileStaticSketch = ASSETS.STATIC_SKETCHES.PROFILE_75X75
layout.addSketch(profileStaticSketch)
group.addGeometry(layout)

Images​

The file formats that can be uploaded for further use in DynaMaker are .png, .jpg, .svg for images.

As an example, we will work with the DynaMaker Logo. Then:

  1. download DYNAMAKER_LOGO.png.
  2. create a Visualization Model to place your image.
  3. Then it can be uploaded in two different ways, via Assets & Files:

a) Assets & Files​

Alternatively, you can upload all your files first and then step into the editors after. For this:

  • In Assets, click Upload File and choose file.
  • Keep Automatically create image assets from image source files selected.
  • Then in your visualization model building block, add it to a layout with layout.addImage() that is added to the group:
tip

Once uploaded in Assets & Files, you can use the resulting images in any building block like:

const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
const layout = new SKYCAD.Layout()
const logoImage = ASSETS.STATIC_SKETCHES.DYNAMAKER_LOGO
layout.addImage(logoImage)
group.addGeometry(layout)

Position​

  • 2D sketches, images and other layouts can be added to a group like:

    const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
    const layout = new SKYCAD.Layout()
    const logoSketch = ASSETS.STATIC_SKETCHES.LOGO
    layout.addSketch(logoSketch, {
      position: { x: 15, y: 7 },
    })
    group.addGeometry(layout)

  • 3D models and other geometries can be to a group like:

    const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
    const valveModel = ASSETS.STATIC_MODELS.VALVE
    group.addGeometry(valveModel, {
      position: { x: 15, y: 7, z: -7 },
    })
tip

You can also tweak the position when uploading the file for the first time:

Here is an interactive product configurator that represents how 3D position affects the placement of a 3D model:

Rotation​

  • 2D sketches, images and other layouts can be rotated when added to a group like:

    const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
    const layout = new SKYCAD.Layout()
    const logoSketch = ASSETS.STATIC_SKETCHES.LOGO
    layout.addSketch(logoSketch, {
      rotation: Math.PI / 2, // 90 deg in radians
    })
    group.addGeometry(layout)

  • 3D models and other geometries can be to a group like:

    const group = new SKYCAD.GeometryGroup()
    const valveModel = ASSETS.STATIC_MODELS.VALVE
    group.addGeometry(valveModel, {
      rotation: { x: 0, y: 90, z: 90, unit: 'deg' },
    })
tip

You can also tweak the position when uploading the file for the first time: