VisCAM RP User Manual (PDF) - Kxcad.net

Convert
Menu: Edit No icon Short cut: Ctrl + U
Scales the part depending on the unit of measurement
This function allows a subsequent conversion of the part from one measuring unit to another. At
this, the part measurements are adapted by Scaling with the conversion factor of the measuring
units.
In general, VisCAM RP internally operates only in millimeters (mm). Therefore, if an imported file
contains data in a different unit of measurement, VisCAM automatically converts it to
millimeters. At this, the conversion factor of the two measuring units is calculated and all data
of the file is scaled with this factor. The automatic conversion is also conducted during file
export, if the file format description demands another unit of measurement than millimeters.
However, a correct conversion is only possible if the measuring unit in use is specified in the
data file or predetermined in the specification of the file format.
In case of some formats, like the STL format, no predefined unit of measurement is specified.
Thus, the measuring unit millimeter is set as a default value for the import of an STL file.
Depending on the origin of the STL file another unit of measurement, e.g. inch, may be in use
without any evidence from the data file. In this case, the measuring of the data is interpreted too
small by the factor 25.4 (from inch to mm).
In case of other file formats, as for example VRML or 3DS (3D Studio), the unit of measurement
is predetermined in the data file specifications, but nevertheless, the data files are often
exported in the wrong unit of measurement without any apparentness from the data file. Thus,
the dimensions are also interpreted incorrectly, despite a correct conversion by VisCAM.
Particularly with regard to the VRML format, which predefines meters as unit of measurement,
the files are often exported in millimeters instead. In that case, the data is interpreted too large
by the factor 1000 (from meter to mm).
In either case, you can restore the original measurements of the part by a subsequent conversion
of the measuring unit with the Convert function.
HINT: The File options dialog Set default file unit values defines the default measuring units for
data import and export for each supported file format separately. If, for instance, "inch" is
defined as the default unit for the import and export of STL files, all triangles of an STL file are
automatically converted from inches to millimeters when they are read in. For saving, all
triangles are then converted back from millimeters to inches automatically before they are
exported in inches.
Dialog Convert
Define the original unit of measurement of the data file
in the input field from and the unit that you aim for as
the result of the conversion in the input field to.
INFO: If, for example, a data file with the original
measuring unit inch has been imported in the default
unit millimeter, select from inch to millimeter for a
subsequent conversion.
Reference: Scale, File options, Set default file unit values
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