Frequently Asked Questions - JewelCAD

  1. What kind of computer do you recommend I use with JewelCAD?
  2. When I paste something, why does it end up way off in space, and not on the part the way I expected?
  3. What is the difference between Projection Mapping and UV-Mapping?
  4. Can I make a model from a picture?
  5. Is there a minimum version of ModelWorks I should be using when processing JewelCAD slice (SLC) files?
  6. Why can't I scale a JewelCAD slice file in ModelWorks?
  7. I keep getting an error that says something about "Mismatches." What's going on?
  8. What's a "CV?"
  9. I made a mistake, and started clicking on the Undo Button, but JewelCAD threw up a dialogue window that said, "No more Undoes!" What does this mean?
  1. Q: What kind of computer do you recommend I use with JewelCAD?
    A: Solidscape is not in the business of selling or performing the technical support of computers, so we will not recommend one brand over another. But we can recommend what technical capabilities the system you choose should have:
    • 450 MHz or faster CPU. Any CAD program will push a computer to its limits. The faster the CPU, the more quickly it will complete any given task.
    • The more RAM you can afford, the better. We recommend at least 128 megabytes of RAM or more. You can get by with 64 megabytes of RAM, but your computer will be slowed significantly on larger models, and you will crash your computer more often.
    • A graphics card that is OpenGL compliant.
    • A monitor that is at least 17" or larger. This will reduce eyestrain and increase productivity because it will be easier to see what you are doing.

  2. Q: When I paste something, why does it end up way off in space, and not on the part the way I expected?
    A: In JewelCAD, the action of a given command on a selected object is performed relative to the world origin. If you select an object that is floating 3 cm above the world origin, when you paste it, the object will be pasted 3 cm above the point where you clicked the mouse.

  3. Q: What is the difference between Projection Mapping and UV-Mapping?
    A: Projection-mapping takes your selected object, and attaches it to the surface of your target object. The selected object will be bent and distorted so that it matches the curves on the surface of the target object. Sort of like projecting an image on somebody's shirt. UV-mapping will take a group of selected objects, and map them along a curve, evenly spacing them along the length of that curve.

  4. Q: Can I make a model from a picture?
    A:     Yes, but not directly. You need to scan the picture using a scanner, and save the image as a bitmap - JewelCAD can only import bitmap images. Use the "Background" command in the VIEW menu item, and select the image for the background. Also, click the button that locks the image to the grid, so when you zoom in and out, the image will stay the same size relative to the model. Once this is done, use the line tools to trace out the image and start creating your model from there.

  5. Q: Is there a minimum version of ModelWorks I should be using when processing JewelCAD slice (SLC) files?
    A: Yes, JewelCAD users should be using ModelWorks 4.1 or higher. If you are using an earlier version, call technical support for an update.

  6. Q: Why can't I scale a JewelCAD slice file in ModelWorks?
    A:     Solidscape systems only build models at layers with preset thickness. When you create a slice (SLC) file in JewelCAD, you already have set the layer thickness you want the model to be sliced. If you scale the model in ModelWorks, you will also change the layer thickness, and ModelWorks will be unable to process that data. If you need to scale a model to offset metal shrinkage, then scale the model in JewelCAD before you cut it into slices.

  7. Q: I keep getting an error that says something about "Mismatches." What's going on?
    A: When you try to make a 3D object out of two or more 2D objects, the 2D objects must have the same number of Control Vertices (CVs). If you try to make an object by lofting a triangle with a square, you will get a mismatch error. The triangle has six CVs (two CVs per corner) where a square has eight. You will need to figure out how to add two more CVs to the triangle so it will match the square. The Rail command works the same way: the rails must have the same number of CVs or you will get a mismatch.

  8. Q: What's a "CV?"
    A:     CV stands for "Control Vertex." This is a point that controls a line or a surface. Think of this point as having gravitational pull, and it pulls the line or surface to it. If you move a CV, you change the shape of the line or surface associated with that CV. You can really fine-tune a model by moving its CVs, but this can be very time consuming.

  9. Q: I made a mistake, and started clicking on the Undo Button, but JewelCAD threw up a dialogue window that said, "No more Undoes!" What does this mean?
    A: JewelCAD only remembers 20 steps. If you made 21 steps creating your model, you will be unable to get back to the first step. There is a way around this, but it requires intelligent planning before and during the creation of your model! While you are generating your model, when you reach a significant step in the creation of that model, save it. When you reach the next critical step, save it again under a different name. Ex.: You're working on a ring, so you save it as RING1, then at the second major step, you save it as RING2, and so on. This way, if you discover that the way you were building the ring doesn't work correctly, you can back up to an earlier point in the model by loading the file at the appropriate level of development. Otherwise, you may have to start from scratch.