In this video, we tested the pneumatic equipment that Clippard generously donated to us in the tank that we have recently been using. We show how the system works, as well as the markers falling and two ways to launch our torpedoes.
Category Archives: Marker Dropper
Torpedo and Marker Dropper Initial Test
We have two different designs of torpedoes printed out, both 6″ long, one that will fit in a 1″ copper tube and the other in a 3/4″ tube. They both fly through the water very well. We can’t wait till we put some pneumatic oomph behind them with the system that was just donated to us by Clippard Minimatic.
The marker dropper will have a pneumatic piston installed in it that will move the tray back and forth to allow the steel ball to fall through.
Below are some images of the models and what was printed out. The torpedo diameter was only .007″ larger then what we designed for, showing the extreme accuracy that 3D printing can bring.
Tutorial: How to Embed a .3DS File into a 3D PDF with Textures
For one our senior design assignments, we embedded both a video and an interactive 3D model into a PDF. Embedding the video was straightforward using Adobe Acrobat Pro X (If you don’t have this software, you can get a free 30 day free trial from Adobe). However, embedding the 3D model with its textures was more complicated.
The Problem:
I modeled our marker dropper in 3D Studio Max (.max file extension). However, PDF’s require .u3d models only. Since 3dsmax cannot export a .u3d, I had to export the file as a .3ds file. Next, I had to download MeshLab, import the .3ds file, and then export a .u3d file. Next, I opened Adobe Acrobat > Tools > Content > Multimedia > 3D and then browsed to the .u3d file I created. The model was inserted into the document, and was easily manipulated, but it was entirely grayscale and all textures were lost.
The Solution:
Regardless of whether you use Maya, SketchUp, Solidworks (.stl) or any other software, the following solution should still work (Some 3D packages even have the export to 3D PDF option built in or have paid plugins which accomplish the job). Here’s how it’s done:
- In whatever 3D software you use, be sure all your texture names are 8 characters or less (this is allegedly a requirement of .3ds, but I’m not 100% certain)
- Export your model to .3ds (note, at this point, if you were to import the .3ds file into MeshLab, you SHOULD see your textures appearing in MeshLab’s model preview).
- Download and open the free trial of QuadriSpace Share3D PDF
- Import the .3ds file you generated, go to the publish tab, and click generate PDF.
That’s it! You now how a PDF embedded with an easily manipulated, colored/textured 3D model. Note: the trialversion of Share 3D PDF does place a small banner at the bottom of the PDF as shown at the top of this post.
Problem #2:
This 3D PDF is a standalone PDF document, what if you want to embed it inside another PDF, then what?
Solution #2:
Say you have a 20 page PDF and you want to embed the 3D model between pages 9 and 10. Split your 20 page PDF into two documents: one containing pages 1-9 and another containing pages 10-20.
Open the 3D PDF Adobe Acrobat Pro (again, if you don’t own it, download a free trial from Adobe). Go to Tools > Pages > Insert from File and browse to the document containing 1-9. When the dialog box appears, set location to “Before” and the click the “Page” radio button and type page 1. Click OK. You should now have a 10 page document with the 3D model on page 10.
Next, repeat the procedure for the PDF containing pages 10-12. This time, however, use the dialog box to set location to “After” and then click the “Page” radio button. Type page 10 in the box (since your 3D model is now on page 10 of the document). Click OK and you’re done! Save your work and you now have a 3D model embedded in the middle of your PDF!
Problem #3:
The 3D model is ALWAYS exported in “solid wireframe” mode and not “solid” mode.
Solution #3:
None yet. Even though I specifically set the model to “Solid” and not “Solid Wireframe” the 3D model is always shown with the wireframe (even if I create a new view in Adobe Acrobat Pro and set it as the default view). If you have a solution to this, please let me know by commenting below.