Hi all, for milling projects, is there a guideline or preference for 2D vs 3d?
In 2D it is easy to draw the respective sides but there is no Z axis. I assume you do that in the CAM side. If you are trying to make a trigger guard out of a block or something along those lines, there is some depth and there are mirror images for top and bottom. Either it is 2 programs or it is 1 and the CAM stops and prompts you to swap sides of the material. Either way you need to give Z dimensions.
In 3D is is easy too and you have Z axis which is nice when designing and you do not have to make multiple views which is nice as well, but I assume you still have to do something in the CAM side. This leads me to believe the CAM prompts you to flip the material.
I suppose you can design in 3D and flatten it out to 2D. Anyhow...
Any general consensus about 2D vs 3D or is it split down the middle on this when milling blocks and rounds on both sides and going into CAM.
3D is always better. Less chance for errors for one. Primarily because you never have to inter a depth, just pick it with the mouse. You’re cutting what’s on the screen, if the model was created correctly that is. Most CAM software allows you to change the construction or machining plane without rotating the part but I prefer to copy and rotate. I just find it easier to keep things straight in my head or if I come back a year later I know how the program was created.
It’s so easy to draw in 3D today I don’t know why anyone would bother with 2D only software. 2D drawing are still needed for various reasons but a good 3D CAD software can create the views in seconds from the model. Just add the detailing and your done, ready for the inspector. Sounds simple but it really is! Having a good 3D CAD program to complement your CAM program is critical in today’s digital world. 95% of the projects we do now comes to us in the form of a 3D model. If we get prints only, we create a model first thing. Even if the prints are 20 years old and takes us a week to make the model, we’ll do it because in the long run it saves us time and grief.
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