Difference between revisions of "VTube-STEP"

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[[image:vtube-step_logo_2.png|300px]]
 +
Import tube data from solid models, then produce reports, and send data to benders.<br><br>
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</td>
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<td width=300>
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[[image:vtube-step_logo.jpg|400px]]<br>
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[[image:VTS2_SplashScreen.png|500px]]
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[[image:vtube-step_maincreen.jpg|400px]]
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</table>
 
</table>
  
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__TOC__
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__NOTOC__
  
  
−
==March 2010 - NOW SUPPORTS CSM BENDERS==
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==Quick Links==
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[[image:vtube-step_multi_to_csm.jpg|600px]]
+
  
−
== Software Updates ==
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* [[VTube-STEP Updates]]
 +
* [[VTube-STEP Videos]]
 +
* [[VTube Software Maintenance Plan]] (SMP)
 +
* Also see [[VTube-LASER]] (for measuring with a FARO arm)
 +
* See the [[Model-based Definition]] page to learn how VTube uses this concept and why it is so important.
 +
* [[How VTube Licensing Works]]
 +
* [[Differences Between VTube License Types]]
 +
<br>
  
−
<table>
+
== Compatibility With Other CAD Packages==
 +
* [[VTube Import from SIEMENS NX]]
 +
* [[VTube Import from SIEMENS Solid Edge]]
 +
* [[VTube Import from Autodesk Inventor]]
 +
<br>
  
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<tr>
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== Setup ==
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<td>April 20, 2010</td>
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* See [[Automatic Backup of the VTube Global Configuration File]] (Version 4 or Newer)
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<td>[[VTube-Step v1.4]]</td>
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* How to [[Change the VTube Default Setup]]
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<td>Added 180 degree bend support</td>
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* How to [[Copy a default VTube configuration to another computer with VTube]]
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<td>[[image:vtube-step_diametereditboxes.jpg|200px]]</td>
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* [[How to overcome ShellExecuteEx failed errors during install]]
−
</tr>
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* See [[How to Register the VTube License]] for each computer
 +
* See [[How To Install VTube to Windows XP]]
 +
* See [[How to Bypass the Not Commonly Run Message in Windows]] during installation or dongle setup
 +
* [[How to Change VTube VPort Color]]
 +
* [[Setup of SolidWorks Template File Paths]]
 +
* Read about the [[VTube Language Editor]]
 +
* How to [[Import VTube Report Templates]]
 +
* How to [[Setup VTube-STEP for the Network License Manager]]
 +
* How to [[Find and edit the HTML template files in VTube]]
 +
* How to [[Change the default linear units in VTube]]
 +
* How to [[Set the Number of Values Beyond the Decimal for VTube]]
 +
* How to [[Change the VTube User Interface Language]]
 +
* [[Ideal Windows Font Size for VTube]]
 +
* How to find the [[VTube Bender Template Location]]<br><br>
  
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<tr>
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== Setup for Communications with CNC Benders ==
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<td>March 23, 2010</td>
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* See [[How to Export to a COMCO CSV File in VTube-STEP]]
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<td>[[VTube-Step v1.31]]</td>
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* [[VTube Communications With Transfluid Benders]]
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<td>Language fix in edit controls</td>
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* See [[AddisonMckee]] for Supravision Network setup for communications with VTube-LASER
−
<td>[[image:vtube-step_diametereditboxes.jpg|200px]]</td>
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* See the Tutorial for [[VTube HERBER Bender New Part Setup (SOL Protocol)]]
−
</tr>
+
* See a Tutorial for [[VTube Communication for UNISON Benders]]
 +
* About [[VTube Communication for Winton Benders]]
 +
* Read about [[Chiyoda Communications with VTube]]
 +
* How to [[Setup VTube for Supravision Network Communication]]
 +
* About [[VTube Robomac Communications]]
 +
* How to [[Setup VTube for Supravision Network Communication]]
 +
* Read About [[VTube Communication for SOCO]]
 +
* Read About [[VTube Communication with AMOB]]
 +
* See a Tutorial for [[VTube Communication for CRIPPA MPF]]
 +
* [[RS-232 Communications Adapters]] for communications to legacy benders
 +
<br>
  
−
<tr>
+
==Diagnostics==
−
<td>March 22, 2010</td>
+
−
<td>[[VTube-Step v1.3]]</td>
+
−
<td>Support for export to CSM bender data files</td>
+
−
<td>[[image:vtube-step_multi_to_csm.jpg|300px]]</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
  
−
<tr><td>March 19, 2010</td><td>[[VTube-Step v1.2]]</td><td>Projection tolerance decimal places increase to 5</td></tr>
+
* Diagnose issues with the hardware key (dongle): See [[VTube Hardware Key Messages]]
−
<tr><td>March 18, 2010</td><td>[[VTube-Step v1.1]]</td></tr>
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* [[How to Report VTube Errors]]
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<tr><td>March 15, 2010</td><td>Original VTube-STEP released</td></tr>
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* How to [[Check for a connection to the Internet license server]].
−
</table>
+
<br>
  
−
<table>
+
==Performance ==
 +
* See [[VTube Limits and Disk Requirements]]
 +
* See [[VTube and Windows 10 - Compatibility and Performance Notes]]
 +
* Fix for VTube Shutdown [[Issues with Raptr Online Gaming App PLAYS.TV]]
 +
* How to find the [[VTube Report Template Location]]
 +
* Recommended [[VTube-LASER Screen Resolution]]
 +
* Recommended [[VTube Computer Specification]]
 +
* See [[Recommended VTube-STEP Screen Resolutions]]
 +
* How to check [[OpenGL Drivers]] versions
  
−
==Description==
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<br>
  
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<table>
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== Tutorials ==
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<tr>
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<td width=300>
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−
VTube-STEP extracts tube data from any STEP solid model file - from any solid model CAD package.
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</td>
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<td>
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[[image:cadsplash.jpg|400px]]
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−
</td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td width=300>
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You can browse through an online version of VTube's help [http://www.advancedtubular.com/vtube-step/help/index.html here].
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−
</td>
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<td>
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</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr>
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<td width=300>
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VTube-STEP supports multiple languages - even East Asian.  You can even translate the user interface to your own language.
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−
</td>
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<td>
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[[image:vtube-step_chinese.jpg|400px]]
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−
</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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−
 
+
−
 
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−
</table>
+
  
 +
* See [[How to Export to a COMCO CSV File in VTube-STEP]]
 +
* Learn about [[Bender Rotation Directions]]
 +
* See [[How to Use Embedded Math in VTube Float Point Edit Boxes]]
 +
* See [[How to orient the tube to show a rotation view in VTube]]
 +
* See [https://www.advancedtubular.net/news/vtube-step-measure-from-a-drilled-hole How to use VTube-STEP to measure From a drilled hole in a solid model]
 +
* See [[VTube-LASER and VTube-STEP - How to Reset the XYZ Radii to the Default Radius in the Part Setup Menu]]
 +
* About [[VTube Reverse Calc from MIL-D-9898C Absolute Bender Data to Centerline XYZ Data]]
 +
* [[How To Import Channel-Shaped Parts]]
 +
* [[Dealing with Incorrect STEP Linear Unit Scale]]
 +
* [[How To Collect Components]]
 +
* About [[Multi-Elongation in VTube]]
 +
* [[Transform the Part To Make Any Bend True]]
 +
* [[Reverse the Tube Ends]]
 +
* [[How to Export a Supravision File]]
 +
* [[How to Import a Supravision File]]
 +
* About [[VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER Project File Compatibility]]
 +
* See [http://www.nist.gov/el/msid/infotest/step-file-analyzer.cfm STEP File Analyzer] for a program to test STEP files.
 +
* Download a [http://www.advancedtubular.com/vtube-step/VTube-STEP_Version_2.2_VTube_QuickStart.pdf PDF Quick-Start Guide] - Version 2.2, December 23, 2015
 +
* About [[VTube Communication for Winton Benders]]
 +
* VTube-STEP replaced the retired [[TubeCalc]] software in March of 2010.
 +
* [[How To Calculate Cut Lengths in VTube]]
 +
* About [[VTube End Length Offsets]]
 +
* See [[VTube Overbend Calculations for Springback]]
 +
* Read the [[VTube Software License]]
 +
* Recommended [[CAD Conversion Tools]]
 +
* How to [[Import the Split Bend with STEP Version of "VTube-LASER Demo CAD Model 2"]]
 +
* [[Windows Floating Point Setup for VTube]]
 +
* [[How to BACKUP and RESTORE VTube configuration files]]
 +
* [[D of Bend]]
  
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
−
 
+
==Overall Purpose of VTube-STEP: Import Solid Models from ANY Solid Model CAD Program to Convert to Bender Data==
−
==Sample Screen Shots==
+
  
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
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This tutorial tube shape was designed in Alibre.
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VTube-STEP extracts tube data from a STEP or IGES solid model file - from any solid model CAD package.<br><br>
 +
VTube-STEP can import centerline data from cylindrical or rectangular solid models ''that have no centerline''.<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.82.rectangulartube_7points.jpg|300px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
 
<td>
 
<td>
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[[image:vtube-step_alibre.jpg|400px]]
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[[image:cadsplash.jpg|400px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
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</table>
 
</table>
  
 +
== Partners and Distributors==
 +
* [[FARO]] - FARO is the world leader in articulated arms.  The FARO Americas division is our exclusive [[VTube-LASER]] distributor for North and South America.  VTube-STEP is also a catalog item for FARO.
 +
* [[Horn Machine Tools]] - Manufacturer of benders and [[CSM]] benders
 +
* [[UNISON]] - All electric benders from the UK
 +
* [[SMI]]- Italian line of Silver benders
 +
* [[CRIPPA]] - Italian benders
 +
* [[UNIVERSAL TOOL & ENGINEERING]] - Alpine benders
 +
<br>
  
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<br><br>
 
  
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==VTube-STEP Videos==
 
  
 +
==Export to Solid Model Programs==
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
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<td width=300>
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<td width=300 valign="top">
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*'''Introduction to VTube-STEP v1''' - This [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNuCAHHfhkg YouTube video] demonstrates VTube-STEP importing data from a CAD file.<br><br>
+
VTube-STEP can export files that can be loaded into other CAD packages. These are samples of files created by VTube-STEP and loaded into general solid model packages.
−
 
+
−
*'''Extending End Points''' - This [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xir7v_zShdo YouTube video] demonstrates how to extend an end point to geometry with VTube-STEP.
+
−
 
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
 
<td>
 
<td>
−
[[image:vtube_end_trim_surface.jpg|300px]]
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Autodesk Inventor Example<br>
 +
[[image:Autodesk_Inventor_Import_from_VTube_Screen_Shot.jpg|400px]]<br><br>
 +
SOLIDWORKS Example<br>
 +
[[image:vtube-step_v2.3_demotube3_to_solidworks.png|400px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
−
 
+
==Multiple Language Support==
−
 
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<table>
−
==Language Support==
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−
 
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−
<table width=700>
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<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
−
Multiple languages are supported through text files called VTL files.  VTube Language files each contain one language.  The name of the VTL file is named according to the language.  For example, Chinese is given the name "chinese.vtl".
+
VTube-STEP supports multiple languages - even East Asian.  You can even translate the user interface to your own language.
−
<br><br>
+
−
Sub-groupings of the languages can be created by creating new VTL files with an extended name so that end-users can understand what the language is.  For example the VTL files can be sub-divided into "chinese traditional.vtl" and "chinese simplified.vtl".
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
−
 
 
<td>
 
<td>
−
[[image:vtube-step_chinese2.jpg|400px]]
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[[image:vtube-step_2.3_japanese_screen.png|400px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
−
 
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<tr>
 
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<td width=300>
 
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VTL files are text files that can be adjusted in a Unicode-supporting editor.  They are stored in the c:\program files\VTube-STEP\config\language folder.
 
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</td>
 
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<td>
 
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[[image:vtl_english.jpg|400px]]<br>
 
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</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr>
 
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<td width=300>
 
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We use and recommend Notepad++ editor to edit your VTube-STEP language files.  It is available for download from the net by searching for the name.
 
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<br><br>
 
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Notepad++ allows you to show files side by side in parallel edit windows.  To compare files this way, you right click on one of the tabs then press Move to Other View.
 
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</td>
 
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<td>
 
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[[image:vtube_notpad_edit_language.jpg|400px]]
 
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</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr>
 
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<td width=300>
 
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When VTube closes, it automatically generates a file called "current_language_setup.vtl" that is built from the latest user-interface elements.  We've included this file so that you can easily find what user interface elements have been added between VTube-STEP versions.  So when upgrading VTube-STEP, you will often find new additions in this file if they were added since the last version.  If you are using a non-English VTL file, then any English labels in the generated file will indicate new words added since the last version.
 
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</td>
 
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<td>
 
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[[image:vtube-step_currentlanguageoutput.jpg|400px]]
 
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</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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</table>
 
</table>
  
  
−
==Recommended CAD Tools==
 
−
 
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<table width=700>
 
−
 
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<tr valign="top">
 
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<td width=400>
 
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The STEP file format is universally supported by all solid model CAD packages.  However, in some cases, you may not have access to STEP files.  To convert from other CAD formats to STEP, we have tested and recommend the following programs:
 
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</td>
 
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<td>
 
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</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr valign="top">
 
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<td>
 
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<font size=5>3D-Tool</font>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
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This Premium version of the software will import these formats for conversion to STEP.  The program is also excellent for measuring any geometry available in the model.
 
  
−
<table>
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==Other Pages==
  
−
<tr valign="top">
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* Read the [[VTube Software License]]
−
<td width=200><font size=3>FORMAT</font></td>
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* Recommended [[CAD Conversion Tools]]
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<td width=200><font size=3>FILE EXTENSIONS</font></td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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−
<td width=200>CATIA V5 R2 - R19</td>
+
−
<td width=200>(*.CATPart, *.CATProduct)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>CATIA V4 4.1.9 - 4.2.4</td>
+
−
<td>(*.model, *.exp, *.session)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
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−
<tr valign="top">
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−
<td>Pro/E 16 - Wildfire 4 </td>
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−
<td>(*.prt, , *.asm , *.xpr, *.xas)</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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<td>Autodesk Inventor</td>
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<td>6-2009 (*.ipt), 11-2009 (*.iam)</td>
+
−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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<td>STEP files</td>
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<td>(*.stp, *.step)</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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<td>IGES files</td>
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<td>(*.igs, *.iges)</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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<td>VDA files</td>
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<td>(*.vda)</td>
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−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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−
<td>SAT files</td>
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−
<td>(*.sat)</td>
+
−
</tr>
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−
 
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<tr valign="top">
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<td>PARASOLID files</td>
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−
<td>(*.x_t; *.x_b)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
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−
<td>VRML1, VRML2 files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.wrl)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
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−
<td>Render files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.slp)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>PLY files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.ply)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>XGL files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.xgl *.zgl)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>OBJ files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.obj)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>3DS files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.3ds *prj *.pli)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>ASC files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.asc)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>DXF files 3D</td>
+
−
<td>(*.dxf , 3D-Faces)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>Inventor files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.iv)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>3D-Tool files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.ddd)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>3D-Tool-EXE files</td>
+
−
<td>(*.exe)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>DXF files (2D)</td>
+
−
<td>(*.dxf)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>DWG files (2D)</td>
+
−
<td>(*.dwg)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>HPGL (2D)</td>
+
−
<td>(*.plt, *.plo, *.hpg)</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
</table>
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
</td>
+
−
<td>
+
−
[[image:3d-tool-logo.jpg]]<br><br>
+
−
[[image:vtube-step_3dtoolscreen.jpg|400px]]<br><br>
+
−
[[image:vtube-step_3dtoolscreen_measure.jpg|400px]]
+
−
<br><br>
+
−
*This company web site is http://3d-tool.com.
+
−
*The file format list is [http://3d-tool.com/english/cad-viewer-formats.htm here]
+
−
*The cost is 600 Euro.
+
−
</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td width=400>
+
−
<font size=5>Magic View & Converter</font>
+
−
<br><br>
+
−
We recommend Magic View & Converter to import and view CATIA notes files.  (This is only a viewer program.)
+
−
<br><br>
+
−
*The company web site is http://magic-m-soft.com
+
−
*The cost is $40
+
−
</td>
+
−
<td>
+
−
[[image:magicviewconverter_screen_solid.jpg|400px]]<br><br>
+
−
[[image:magicviewconverter_screen.jpg|400px]]
+
−
</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
</table>
+

Latest revision as of 15:49, 2 March 2023

Vtube-step logo 2.png Import tube data from solid models, then produce reports, and send data to benders.

VTS2 SplashScreen.png



Quick Links


Compatibility With Other CAD Packages


Setup

Setup for Communications with CNC Benders


Diagnostics


Performance


Tutorials



Overall Purpose of VTube-STEP: Import Solid Models from ANY Solid Model CAD Program to Convert to Bender Data

VTube-STEP extracts tube data from a STEP or IGES solid model file - from any solid model CAD package.

VTube-STEP can import centerline data from cylindrical or rectangular solid models that have no centerline.

Vtube-step-1.82.rectangulartube 7points.jpg

Cadsplash.jpg

Partners and Distributors

  • FARO - FARO is the world leader in articulated arms. The FARO Americas division is our exclusive VTube-LASER distributor for North and South America. VTube-STEP is also a catalog item for FARO.
  • Horn Machine Tools - Manufacturer of benders and CSM benders
  • UNISON - All electric benders from the UK
  • SMI- Italian line of Silver benders
  • CRIPPA - Italian benders
  • UNIVERSAL TOOL & ENGINEERING - Alpine benders



Export to Solid Model Programs

VTube-STEP can export files that can be loaded into other CAD packages. These are samples of files created by VTube-STEP and loaded into general solid model packages.

Autodesk Inventor Example
Autodesk Inventor Import from VTube Screen Shot.jpg

SOLIDWORKS Example
Vtube-step v2.3 demotube3 to solidworks.png

Multiple Language Support

VTube-STEP supports multiple languages - even East Asian. You can even translate the user interface to your own language.

Vtube-step 2.3 japanese screen.png




Other Pages

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