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Author Topic: .obj file to g code  (Read 12183 times)

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.obj file to g code
« on: April 03, 2010, 01:42:23 PM »
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

Offline ger21

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Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2010, 02:46:46 PM »
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.



Gerry

2010 Screenset
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JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
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Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2010, 03:38:39 PM »
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
Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2010, 03:43:23 PM »
HI again,

Just noticed that Cambam uses 3Ds as one of it's import formats! Is it easy to use, anyone?

Richard B

Offline ger21

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Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2010, 03:57:18 PM »
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.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2010, 04:32:09 PM »
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.

Offline ger21

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Re: .obj file to g code
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2010, 05:59:53 PM »
Quote
Cambam appears to be free

There's a free version and a $150 version. The $150 one does a lot more.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html