Originally Posted by buscht Rick, you've bitten off quite a chunk.
I don't know what a TP100 probe is, but digitizing on your CNC mill might be more complicated than learning your CAD/CAM. |
TP-100 probe
http://www.imsrv.com/deskcnc/probe.htm
Originally Posted by buscht When you digitize with the CNC, you need a program to move the probe around and take the point readings. I am not sure exactly where you would get this program.
The result from the digitizing is a text file that contains X,Y,Z locations for thousands of points on the model. You can set up how small you want the point grid. A smaller (tighter) grid is more accurate, but increases your file size and time expontentially.
So let's say that you are able to get the point cloud data. Now this has to be turned into a solid model or surfaced model so Bobcad can apply tool path to it. This is a difficult job in itself. |
When a TP-100 probe is used with DeskCNC, the process of creating a CAD model is not difficult. DeskCNC is a step and direction machine controller which has a simple 3D surface scan function. It produces an .STL file from a surface scan. The .STL format is usable by any decent 3D cam program, and can be used by many 3D CAD programs for purposes of editing modification and combining with other design elements.
The DeskCNC output, .STL file, is filtered for spikes, smoothed to remove the stairstep effects from a digital measurement process, and reverse compensated for the probe tip radius to produce a smooth surface model, the same size as the original scan. DeskCNC also includes 3D toolpath creation (CAM) to directly machine the scanned model.
This process produces very good results for parts that have a decorative or artistic function. rifle stocks, hand rests, grips, packing nests, statuary and sculptures are examples of common applications for surface scanning.
For producing strictly mechanical components, it is better to draw the part details using traditional wireframe or 3D modeling Cad. A reamed or tapped hole is not a good candidate for surface scanning.
Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby