xyz coordinates

[bigmouse 6]

Hi all,

New here, sorry to start with a question!

I create a model in solidworks, save as stl, open in cura and the model is laid over on its back, It seems as though cura has its z axis horizontally towards me, Does this happen with other cad programs? I'm guessing that cura's xyz axis are wrong!

In order to get it to stand upright in cura, I have to model it on its side in SW.

btw, A very helpful forum,

 

[IRobertI 517]

I wouldn't say it's "wrong", it's just different. Which direction is up can vary between CAD programs.

Instead of modelling it on its side (which can be annoying if that's not how you picture it in your mind) you can just add a new coordinate system and set a custom orientation on it which you can then choose to use as you export your STL.

Features -> Reference Geometry -> Coordinate System. Then click on the Z-axis box and finally select the top plane and confirm. Then when you're exporting to STL you can choose to use a custom coordinate system and your newly created one will appear in the drop down box.

 

[bigmouse 6]

Thank you, will try this out!

 

[bigmouse 6]

Alas I've just realised that the error is in solidworks, and a search as found confomation of this!

(can't see how to post a url so here it is below)

http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2013/04/solidworks-coordinate-system-for-cam-z-axis-defines-the-up-direction/

 

[gr5 2,094]

Some people think Y should be the vertical axis and Z is coming "out of the monitor". Ultimaker thinks Z should be the vertical axis. Neither is "correct". You can also easily rotate parts in Cura by clicking on them once and choose the rotate icon, grab a circle and it normally jumps in 15 degree increments.

 

[pm_dude 27]

Some exporters also have a flip y/z option.

[Daid 304]

Some people think Y should be the vertical axis and Z is coming "out of the monitor". Ultimaker thinks Z should be the vertical axis. Neither is "correct". You can also easily rotate parts in Cura by clicking on them once and choose the rotate icon, grab a circle and it normally jumps in 15 degree increments.

 

Indeed. There is no defined way what is up. There are just conventions. What Cura currently does matches with most free software. But is by no means "the true one way".

Which is why rotation tools are important in Cura :-)

 

[peggyb 169]

and with shift pressed, you can rotate 1 degree increments.

 

[bigmouse 6]

and with shift pressed, you can rotate 1 degree increments.

 

Ah thanks, I missed this! Wondered why there was no provision to type in any angle, but one degree increments are good enough for me!

 

[dirkdirk 5]

usually the xy axis are responsible for the 2d contour. when viewed from above. when you stand in front of the machine x is the left / right and y forward / backward. the 3. axis , ie the z axis , is the height of the workpiece. so the coordinates are used in almost all cnc machines.

[Daid 304]

usually the xy axis are responsible for the 2d contour. when viewed from above. when you stand in front of the machine x is the left / right and y forward / backward. the 3. axis , ie the z axis , is the height of the workpiece. so the coordinates are used in almost all cnc machines.

 

Yes. But, computer scientists decided that it's better to use X/Y for the screen and Z for "inwards" the screen for 3D drawing space. Which is why we have different variations now.