How to handle multiple objects in an STL file

[billo]

I am exporting multiple individual objects from Rhino to an .stl file. When I open it in CamBam, the objects are not individually selectable. That is all Rhino objects are combined into one object in the .stl.

I typically have up to 50 such objects that need to be cut on multiple sheets of stock, so it is important that I create toolpaths accordingly.

I have read that .stl does not support multiple objects in a single file.

I see a number of different possibilities:

* Try to break up the objects from within CamBam.
* Export to 50 individual .stl files from Rhino, then write a script to import them all into a single CamBam document.
* Export to .3mf, which is apparently an stl-like format that support multiple objects. Then figure out how to import this into CamBam.

Can anyone suggest additional options?

tia, Bill

[billo]

Update: I'm trying 3D Studio (.3ds) format now. Rhino exports OK (but seems lo-res). CamBam loads the file as separate objects.

I'm still experimenting, but so far, the toolpaths don't look good.

Bill

[EddyCurrent]

Here's two though not great.

1. Import the combined stl to CamBam, select it then use menu item, Edit->Explode
You will end up with a lot of small surfaces. Now select one of the 50 stl obects on the screen by dragging over it then use menu item, Edit->Join, repeat 50 times.

2. Export from Rhino as individual files then use this plugin to import them one at a time; http://www.atelier-des-fougeres.fr/Cambam/Aide/Plugins/import_DXF-STL-STP.html

I find it odd that you are using stl files, these are for 3D operations, can't you find a way to use 2D operations then use DXF files ?

Are all 50 objects the same ? if so you should look at using "Nesting" within Cambam then you only need to import one object.

[billo]

They are all 3D objects and they are all different.

I'm finding that 3DS format does what I want, but I am not getting the resolution I want from Rhino. I have to study the export options to see if I can get a better export.

Bill

[billo]

Update: My solution was to export individual files from Rhino (using a script), and then import each of them into CamBam (using a script).

Works perfectly, although it took a while to perfect the scripts.

Bill