Newbie, info on workflow from 3d software to cutting

[airbrush]

Hi all,

Will soon have my first machine up and running soon hopefully and just wanted to some more info on others work flow.

I will be using 3dMax and Zbrush as my primary 3d modeling apps and Mach 3 to drive the machine.
Can someone give me a walk through of the process from 3d app to cutting the final product?
I'm assuming Mach3 is just used to actually control the machine and still requires the Gcode to be generated for it?
What is a user friendly Gcode app to use?
Best formats to use? STL? OBJ? DXF?

Much appreciated.

[ger21]

Format depends on the application. .stl is most common, but some can read other formats as well.

Popular low cost 3D CAM programs are MeshCAM, Cut3D, CamBam. You might also want to look at DeskProto, which has a limited time hobby price special.

Basically, export an .stl from Z brush or Max, import into CAM, create toolpaths, save g-code, load g-code into Mach3, and cut.

[airbrush]

Alright, thanks.

I'll look into the CAM apps you mentioned. Also need something that can do 4th axis down the line once I get the hang of the basics. Do any of the ones you mentioned handle this?

[ger21]

DeskProto does, and MeshCAM does indexed 4th axis.

[Grunblau]

My process is contained within Rhino3d since I use RhinoCAM to produce tool paths.

I have used RhinoCAM, MasterCAM, and Visual Mill. A free option to play with is Freemill.

In general, the workflow is similar for most CAM software.


-Generate 2D or 3D geometry in your favorite program and export to CAM software if not native.

I try to use IGES file whenever possible to keep as much detail as possible in my NURBs and spline geometry. With 3Dmax, you will mostly be dealing with meshes so STL or OBJ are likely preferred.


-Define the stock material dimensions.

What is the depth, height and width of the material you are cutting? Some CAM applications have a list of already programed materials that will help you set up feeds and speeds for cutting. Otherwise trial and error will tell you how to treat different materials.


-Select cutting tool

Select a tool appropriate for cutting your intended geometry. Ball nose cutters are good for 3d toolpaths. The software needs to know the tool that the machine will be holding in order to generate the appropriate toolpath


-Generate toolpath

You will choose between various options for cutting toolpaths. It will be clear what each does. Input parameters like how much stock to leave, how far to step down for each path etc... Interestingly, 3D toolpaths are usually much easier to generate than 2D toolpaths as there are less decisions to make and it is more automated.


-Verify the toolpath

Most CAM software have a preview of the cutting motions you have programed. This will show you a preview of your selected tool following the generated toolpath cutting a digital version of your stock.


-Post process the toolpath.

This will take the toolpath and generate the G-code to be read by your machine using parameters required by the machine or by your own preferences. This will generate a simple text file that you will load into Mach3.


-Load file into Mach3

Load the .txt or .nc file into Mach3. Mach3 will do a quick run through the file and find errors and provide a preview of the toolpath. If everything looks correct, zero the machine and let the chips fly!



You can click on the image above to see the results of the tool
path.

[airbrush]

thanks for the info...i'm sure it will all become more clear once i get my hands into it.