Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: moorea21 on April 03, 2010, 01:42:23 PM
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Hi,
I'm new here, and a bit confused about something...
What are my options for converting a mesh model made in Wings3d (a subdivision modelling program) into G-code to send to my 3 axis mill? (When it's complete, that is.) Wings can export in a number of file types, including .obj, which is a wavefront file, I believe. Does it then need to be converted to a parametric solid? If so, what software is good for this?
The general idea is use a 3d scanner (David 3d or Nextengine if one comes up at the right price) to create mesh files to edit in Wings, then output to the mill, machine up and use.
I hope no-one minds me asking this here, I know it's a CAD question rather than a CAM question, but as it all ends up as G-code, it seemed like a good place to post this.
Thanks all,
Richard B
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There's no easy way to convert a mesh into a parametric solid. So you need a CAM package that will read mesh's directly
I believe that Vectric's Cut3D can read .obj files directly.
MeshCAM is similar to Cut3D, but only accepts .stl files.
Most more expensive CAM programs will also read .stl files.
For $20, Accutrans can convert the .obj it into a bunch of different formats.
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Hi,
Thanks Gerry, Cut3D seems to have what I need, but at a price, as usual. I have noticed that Wings3d also exports in 3Ds format, so maybe there's a student edition of Autodesk's Autocad out there, I will investigate. For the record, Wings exports in the following formats;-
Nendo (NDO)
3D Studio (3DS)
Wavefront (OBJ)
Lightwave/Modo
VRML (WRL)
Renderware (RWX)
FBX (on Windows and Mac OS X)
Yafray
Povray
Kerkythea
Collada
Just seen the price for autocad 2011. Oh well...
Thanks again,
Richard B
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HI again,
Just noticed that Cambam uses 3Ds as one of it's import formats! Is it easy to use, anyone?
Richard B
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A lot of people like Cambam, but I've never used it.
Fwiw, AutoCAD wouldn't help you. You need a CAM program to create your g-code.
You didn't say what your budget is? \
Cut3D is $299
MeshCAM is $175 + $20 to convert to .stl files.
CamBam is $150 I think? So I guess that's your cheapest option.
There is FreeMill, which is free, but it's very limited, and again, only reads .stl's.
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Cambam appears to be free, I will investigate it's capabilities for generating tool paths for fairly complex organic shapes, which is what I'd want it for, mostly.
I mentioned Autocad as I know it can convert .3Ds files to a format that is more generally used in cnc work;- .dxf I think... I realised it wouldn't generate me a tool path.
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Cambam appears to be free
There's a free version and a $150 version. The $150 one does a lot more.