Can an Homemade Router do '3D'

[Normsthename]

Hi
New to the forum, and I am toying with the idea of making a CNC Router.
I own a small company that has a Vacuum forming machine with a 30" x 24" x 6" working range, and I would like to make a CNC Router to '3D' Moulds out for use in the vacuum former.
All the software for homemade Routers I have seen only seem to do 2D, is there any software available where I can import an .STL file to '3D' moulds out.
I have seen software like Millwizard etc, can these output to the printer Port Controller cards?

Thanks

Andy

[phantomcow2]

No reason you cant do a 3d thing. THe Z axis is fully capable of it. 3D is just another step in the CAM. Most routers for home use seem to be for 2d applications. Cutouts of things, or engravings.

[lemoneasy]

Exactly, all 3 axis machines are capable of 2.5D machining as it is called, which cuts each co-ordinate to a specific height, and you get a 3D part. If you are using it only for a Vacuum forming machine, just a hot-wire foam cutter would be fine for 3D parts. The controllers are not the problem for making 3D parts, you need software to convert drawings to a 3D gcode. Something like Mastercam Art would be fine.

[Normsthename]

The controllers are not the problem for making 3D parts, you need software to convert drawings to a 3D gcode. Something like Mastercam Art would be fine.

Thanks for the quick reply and advice.
So if I used software such as Millwizard that machines a .STL file and outputs the Roughing and Finishing Gcode, would I then use Mach 2 or simiular software to output the Gcode from these programs into the printer port controller card controlling the Router?
Sorry if I sound thick, but I am trying to get my head around all the options!

Thanks

Andy

[Tony Mac]

Hi Andy,

I would highly recommend taking a look at the Free 3D Clipart Machining program from Vector Art 3D. This software also includes some Free 3D models that you can save the toolpaths for and run the files on your own CNC machine.

Vector Art 3D Machinist

Vector Art 3D sell a range of designs ranging from $10 to $75 each.



Good luck!

Tony

[Switcher]

I think you could get very close to 3D, with only 4-axis. The photos attached show what another member ( whiteriver ) here on the zone has done.

Again the photos are not mine, I just think he did a great job with only 4-axis. You might want to talk to him ( whiteriver ) for all the details, software etc...

Jerry

[Normsthename]

I think you could get very close to 3D, with only 4-axis. The photos attached show what another member ( whiteriver ) here on the zone has done.

They look very impressive!
Perhaps I have confused the issue by saying I need to do '3D'
Lemoneasy was correct saying that I want to do 2.5D machining
Millwizard does this 2.5D machining and it does everything that I need the software to do, and at a reasonable price!
Last question, honest!
Would Mach 2 be able to output the Roughing and Finishing Gcode from Millwizard to the Router? and what Gcode does Mach 2 output, there are lots of different Post-Processors in Millwizard and also the ability to create your own Post-Processor if none are available.

Thanks

Andy

[davidmb]

Hi, I built a 36" x 18" x 5" router to machine patterns for sand casting metal, the software that I use is Alibre Xpress ( free version) to do all the 3d design work, outputting a stl file, this then goes into meshcam to convert into NC code. I then test the NC code using discriminator or the microtech CNC simulator and make any tweaks needed, from there it goes onto a linux EMC controller.

3d models that can be machined from one side are a doddle, the newer versions of meshcam can even do two sided machining but I havn't tried that yet.

[Normsthename]

Hi Davidmb
I note you are in the UK, what & where did you get the controller & Stepper motors for your router?
I have found a few sources so far, but its always good to hear from someone who has bought the 'T' Shirt!

Thanks

Andy

[ger21]

Perhaps I have confused the issue by saying I need to do '3D'
Lemoneasy was correct saying that I want to do 2.5D machining

No, you want to do 3D. Usually, 2.5D refers to cutting at constant depths. Move to the depth, then cut. Usually flat parts, pockets....

Yes, Mach3 will read g-code from Millwizard and run your machine from that code to create 3d parts. You might want to look at www.meshcam.com as an alternative to Millwizard.


(Mach2 will work, but skip it and start with Mach3. Same price, and many, many more features)

[davidmb]

Hi Normsthename,
I bought a 3DStep controller board from www.nc-step.de, I think they retail for about 96 euros but you have to solder it yourself. ( drives 3 stepper motors at up to 2A per phase, up to 34V ), I'm now looking at building my own pic based microstepping controller unit, nearly got everything together now.

The steppers, I got lucky I managed to buy a box of 9 second hand Pacific Scientific powermax II steppers, but try http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Motion-Cont...Q3amesstQQtZkm, they seem to have some good deals on stepper motors.

Main PSU is from a computer mainframe diskdrive, a re-engineered PC tower case was used as the controller box.

I'm in West Yorkshire, where are you?

[Normsthename]

The steppers, I got lucky I managed to buy a box of 9 second hand Pacific Scientific powermax II steppers, but try http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Motion-Con...sQ3amesstQQtZkm, they seem to have some good deals on stepper motors.

I am unsure to the size of Stepper motors that I require.
The CNC Router table I want to build will be about 4' x 3' with a Z depth of at least 6"
What size Stepper Motors would I Need?

I'm in West Yorkshire, where are you?

I live in Leicester

Andy