Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: m8298 on March 30, 2013, 06:59:02 PM

Title: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: m8298 on March 30, 2013, 06:59:02 PM

Hello I am a woodturner who is looking for a way to make cutter paths to cut designs on the surface of my turnings.  I can probe the surface and create a point cloud.  I can take the point cloud and create a 3D stl file. My question is how can I generate cutter paths to cut designs on the surface?  What software would I use?  I know Aspire can import a 3D model and cut it, but I don`t think it will make cutter paths to modify the surface. I don't mind wrapped rotary. And suggestions are greatly appreciated....

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: olf20 on March 31, 2013, 07:10:26 AM

Have you asked the question on the Vetric forum??
Lots of smart people over there. I'm sure someone
can answer for you.
I have engraved some turnings on my fourth axis.
Hope this helps.
olf20 / Bob

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: RICH on March 31, 2013, 07:29:45 AM

You will need a Cam program. Vetric, Meshcam, and there are others, just depends on what you want to do and how much your willing to spend
to accomplish what you want to do.

RICH

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: m8298 on March 31, 2013, 08:29:15 AM

I have posted on the Vectric forum also, I started there, but no responses yet.

Bob can you tell me about how you were able to engrave your turnings?  That would be a good start.  Can you project the cutter path onto a contour and get a fairly even depth?

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: olf20 on March 31, 2013, 08:41:05 AM

Have a look at this link;
http://www.222artisans.com/Rotary/RotaryTutorial.HTML

It gives you a very good guide to the process.
I just have VCP 6.5. But have done several
turnings.
olf20 / Bob

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: m8298 on March 31, 2013, 09:09:05 AM

Yeah i've seen that article. It's a great article. But it looks as though what I want to do is listed under "What It Won't Do."

So, when you did your "turnings", you had to machine the whole exterior?  Or did you approximate a design in VC, to make cutter paths for your hand turnings?

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: olf20 on March 31, 2013, 10:33:40 AM

Its been a while since I messed with my 4th axis. We have moved
and built a new building so my mind is searching for the details.

As I remember I did turn my wood on the mill / 4th axis, but
I did not need to, it was just conveint.

I got a free file from Vector Art 3d along with their free program
Vector Art 3d Machinists. I done the roughing / finishing tool paths.

Imported into VcarvePro. Generated gcode, then at that time
I used Wrapper. Now it is part of the gadgets.
Loaded gcode into Wrapper set my parameters.
Regenerated the code.

Loaded gcode to the machine and cut.

Now I'm sure I have missed some important details, but this
will give you the basics.

Let me know if I can be of further help!!

olf20 / Bob

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: olf20 on April 02, 2013, 06:54:09 AM

How is your project going??
olf20 / Bob

Title: Re: 4th axis 3D model surface cutter path
Post by: m8298 on April 02, 2013, 08:05:51 PM

Hey Bob, thanks for asking. I think I have it figured out. I need to experiment a bit more this weekend.