Maslow parts 3D models

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This is some forum site / organizational feedback and a suggestion for improvement.

Its nice to have The not shop where STL files are available for download. And also the Maslow 4 3D printed parts thread is very handy if you want to 3D print parts for the Maslow 4.

But the STL files are mesh files and not really suitable for adjustments to the model. An STL is not actually the source but a derrative of the model.

For the Maslow parts, the design files are available at https://www.maslowcnc.com/s/Maslow4-Parts.zip, but the dust port design files are not in the zip file.
Also, I’ve noticed in multiple threads that it’s difficult to relate to a version of a designed part. “When did you download…”, “Oh, forgot to update that one”

It would be much easier if these open source 3D models could be visible, downloadable, trackable, open for modifications and automatically indexed.

Forum software (like Discourse) is not suitable for that task. We see threads that started as index/overview thread morphing to discussion thread (most logical, it’s a forum). People are often unable to find the correct thread and start asking in a new thread (again, logical).

A very popular open source system that can be used for the task is Github. Even though git is not the best option for binary files, it is for all the other features (and more). This github.com/Maslowcnc was also the place for the chain Maslow Mechanics

Github also enables people to contribute new 3D models, adhere to the creactive common licence and give and receive credit.

I would love to see a Github repository on github.com/Maslowcnc for merging ‘the not shop’ data files (not the not shop page itself) and @fireslayer26 's Maslow 4 3D printed parts thread thread. This would be the place where to find the source of 3D models and the related STL files (and other docu if needed)

Your thoughts? or :heart_decoration: ?

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I think that is a great idea, I’ll work on moving everything over to GitHub

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And also STEP or STL please. Mesh is for when we’re carving stuff

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Well, the point is that you need the source of a 3D model to make modifications. An STL file isn’t the source. STL files contains a set of triangles that make up a mesh which approximates the original 3D model.

3D design applications use mathematical surfaces that make up the model and store them in their own proprietary format. If you export the 3D model to STL, you lose information of the model. Surfaces are represented by triangles (the more accurate, the bigger the STL file)

To exchange 3D models, you can use the STEP format (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data, ISO 10303). This gives you cross-platform compatibility, high accuracy, especially compared to STL files. But even with STEP files, you’re losing information like texture, camera, lighting.

Share the

  • proprietary format, so others can edit the file with the same 3D design application (open for modifications)
  • STEP format, so others can edit the file with the their favorite 3D design application (open for modifications)
  • STL format, so others can print the file with their favorite 3D printing/slicing application (difficult to modify)