3D Surface CAD Model for 2011 FRC Field of Play for Logo Motion (TM)
Opening the game field model in Pro E or Inventor for the 2011 FRC contest has been a challange for students using SolidWorks software to design their robot with respect to the field of play. A student sent me a parasolid model and so I started to think what the best way was to present this model to all teams.
Dealing with imported geometry requires understanding a few things about SolidWorks – first of all a parasolid file format provides the best data for SolidWorks to import. The file extension is .x_t. The original file size of the field was in megabytes. Since you cant modify the geometry of the field, you want this model as small as possible. How did I reduce the file size? If you have a parasolid file or other neutral file format like IGES, STEP, here are the steps:
1. Select File, Open,
2. Select the neutral file format – in this case .x_t
3. The model opens – this takes a while
4. Select File, Save As, Part
5. Select the option External Faces
6. Click Save
Now you have a very light weight surface model that is a single part. This part can be inserted into a new assembly where you test your robot.
This light weight part file of the field is available for all FRC teams no matter what type of software you use at www.3DContentCentral.com
For SolidWorks teams, you can download the 2010 below. For 2009 SolidWorks users, please use the second link below.
Model in SolidWorks 2010: Download 2011_frc_field
Model in SolidWorks 2009 and other 3D and 2D file formats