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Simplify Geometry for URDF
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We are currently developing the 3D-printable robot "pib" and aim to streamline the generation of a URDF file.
Challenge:
Our primary challenge is obtaining simplified geometry that represents only the outer shell of each movable component. At present, we create new Part Studios and merge each part into one. Subsequently, we manually delete faces to eliminate internal surfaces and close gaps. This process is time-consuming and often results in errors.
We have also experimented with the "Simplify" custom feature, but our parts appear too complex for automatic simplification.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/3f84343841cb6d7fead072c8
Current Project:
We have developed a prototype of a 3D-printable leg featuring a knee joint and a wheel as its foot.
Inquiry:
Does anyone have suggestions on how to achieve this simplification? Is there a FeatureScript available that can generate an outer hull?
Onshape Document:
pib - Humanoid Robot
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Answers
The Simplify custom feature from @NeilCooke might work for you:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/3f84343841cb6d7fead072c8/v/63c4121ba31d1d244bd8d37f/e/4d6251de9fd8ed6df1fb1792
@romeograham That is excactly the script we already tried. It is great to automatically fill closed internal voids.
But to truly reduce the number of faces, we have to remove each hole manually.
@Caden_Armstrong made this very cool Shrink Wrap feature, but I'm not sure if it will have the fidelity you're after.
my shrink wrap feature probably isn't the right choice if you want to maintain any critical dimensions.
Ive done similar custom features in the past to simplify and fill in holes, but I don't have a public feature that does this.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
Sorry @sebastian_glanzner I don't know how I missed that in your original post!