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Best Of
Re: How to Derive from an Assembly?
For the ratio math, you need to start with what you have now, and what you want to end up with, plug these values in, and you should be good to go. Forget about train scale - that only applies to starting with a full scale train , right?. I would use rail gauge as the "measurable" constant on any model you have, and use these numbers to figure ratio.
Re: Where Used Without Where Used And Part Confusion
@colin_starker933 - I don't pretend to know all that much about this subject - and I personally don't know how you would tabulate said information, (maybe others could help). All I can say is, I have found what works for me - and that is a well thought out folder/file hierarchy structure. Given the right naming of folders and files (with labels), makes the search for my custom content easy. I am a single user hobbyist, and don't have to deal with a multi-user environment, but I don't see why it wouldn't work for a team. For example ; if screws were a category that you used often, give that category a label, and screws will be one click away - if some obscure part is rarely used, don't label it, just look it up through your logical library hierarchy (3 maybe, 4 clicks away). It takes me longer to do a search for a part number, rather than just looking it up in my library (not a fan of search)
I have virtually the entire ECAS, inc. (East Coast Aviation Supplies), catalog (200 pages, worth) in my private library folder, and looking up a specific part is not that difficult - folders and sub-folders use generic names (bolts, nuts, washers, screws …) to aid in searching. And parts and configurations use AN/MS dash numbering system (for correct BOM info).
Dream up a system that makes sense to you and your team and consolidate all your buy-out items there. The naming system is up to you - I used the AN/MS numbering structure because, my library is for aircraft hardware, and the part #'s have been standardized, and are very specific. Once you settle on a system, share that with your team
Also my libraries are constantly growing, and evolving, but they give me that one place to go to, where I can store or find my custom items.
I sound like I'm starting to repeat myself, so this will be my last post. Good luck
Re: Is it possible to make a self-intersecting sweep?Who knows what tools can be used to do such work.
it’s not a fundamental mistake. Just a limitation of sweep that it can’t self intersect. if the radius becomes too small that any edge of the sweep has to travel backwards along the path to maintain its profile orientation… it will self intersect.
MDesign
Introducing PimpMyCAD: A New Community Platform for Sharing Onshape Creations (Beta)
Hi Onshape Community!
I’m thrilled to share my latest side project with you: PimpMyCAD.
It’s a platform designed to empower the Onshape community by making it easier to share public documents, elements, or FeatureScripts with one another. The goal is to create a space where we can showcase our work, learn from each other, and collaborate more effectively.
The Idea Behind PimpMyCAD
This project was inspired by a gap I noticed in the Onshape ecosystem. While Onshape is incredible for designing and collaborating, there isn’t a centralized, community-focused space where users can easily showcase their creations. Whether it’s a clever FeatureScript, a unique design element, or a project you’re proud of, there’s currently no simple way to share your work or discover others’ contributions.
PimpMyCAD aims to fill that gap!
What Is PimpMyCAD?
At its core, PimpMyCAD is about community and collaboration. Here’s what it offers:
- A platform to share public documents, elements, and FeatureScripts with others in the Onshape ecosystem.
- Easy access to explore, learn from, and reuse the fantastic work contributed by others.
It’s still a work in progress, and I’d love your help to make it the best it can be!
Why Your Feedback Matters
This project is all about the community, and your feedback is critical to shaping it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on:
- Do you agree that sharing documents, elements, and FeatureScripts could be made easier?
- What features or tools would help you feel comfortable sharing your work?
- Are you concerned about security or intellectual property when sharing your designs or FeatureScripts?
If so, how could those concerns be addressed? Are there any specific pain points in how you currently share or discover content within the community?
Security & Intellectual Property
I understand that sharing work publicly comes with important considerations, especially when it comes to intellectual property and security. One of my main goals is to create a platform that respects and addresses these concerns while fostering a spirit of openness and collaboration.
I’d love to hear your ideas on how we can ensure the platform feels secure and reliable for everyone.
Join the Conversation
If this project resonates with you, or if you’re interested in testing, contributing, or sharing your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your feedback and participation will be key to making PimpMyCAD a success. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
For the curious and the more adventurous, it's happening at www.pimpmycad.com :) I also want to mention that this is still very much a beta preview, so I’d appreciate your kindness and patience as I work out the kinks. Please keep in mind that some data may be lost during this early stage as I continue refining the platform.
Cheers
iliak
Re: Show part mass on drawing
The original question threw me off. I've so used to using this since I made first drawing formats, I don't think about it much any more. Long time ago! (? 2016)
Still waiting for dimensional able C of G symbol without work arounds for aircraft outlines. Would be good for seeing dimensions change quickly and testing new equipment affects.
Re: How can I display a grid when I am drawing an sketch?
Just didn't seem right without that small touch, you know? 😁
Re: How can I display a grid when I am drawing an sketch?
lol, stop it your killing me!
Render Studio 3D Export (GLTF)
I've designed some open-source soldering kits, all of which are modeled in Onshape and sold on Amazon. Amazon recently introduced a 3D content feature which allows customers to spin around and manipulate the product.
It looks like this can be achieved by 3D scanning the product to create a GLB file or through a CAD export to a GTLF file.
Onshape supports exporting to a GLTF through the part studio / assembly view. But if upload that file it comes in washed-out looking and fails Amazon's quality checks because it's missing textures and a .bin file.
Since the render studio process is really all about adding these photorealistic textures, and I've already spent a fair bit of effort recreating all our parts in the render studio, I had the thought that it would be super cool if there were a way to export these scenes in 3D.
I don't think there is currently a 3D export option, and I'm guessing this wouldn't be a super high-priority feature. But assuming it isn't a crazy heavy development lift or results in a huge processor load, I think it would be pretty badass to be able to embed photorealistic Onshape models everywhere.
Re: How can I display a grid when I am drawing an sketch?
Welcome to the eternal war of Grid vs Evil!
Head over to the sign-up zone and pick your side.
Grid users – your destiny awaits in the blue tent.
Non-Grid users – claim your place in the red tent.
Good luck recruits!
