2.5 vs 3d

[csaw]

I hope this is the correct area for this. I am still struggling with the difference between 2.5 and 3d. There is quite a difference in price between the two softwares. I would like to see some pictures of complex 2.5d projects if you have any.

Most specifically I want to know about Dolphin Partmaster Pro.

Can hemisphere/dome or convex/dish machining be done with it?

Do all three axes move simultaneously?

Please excuse my ignorance, I have no experience with CNC at all, but want to.

Please don't forget pics!

Thanks

[M250cnc]

csaw

I know how you feel.

But 2.5D is a shape with a constant Z depth setting for the profile the only exception is when you may have a ramping motion set for the PLUNGE and then it runs X & Y at a constant Z depth

3D is any shape where all three axis may be moving at once

Then there will be a step up in price again for 4th axis and even more for 5th axis

Phil

[tobyaxis]

I can't help you with Dolphin but can make references to 2.5D and 3D.

CAD and CAM are different in the aspects of 2.5D and 3D.

This is a part created in a 2D CAD environment using various plains, 2D Geometry, with Solids.

This part will need a 3 Axis Mill to machine it.

[tobyaxis]

This one is 2.5D and has no need for 3 Axis Machining

[ger21]

This is a part created in a 2D CAD environment using various plains, 2D Geometry, with Solids.

That's not helping at all. A 2D CAD program can't do that part. It's created in a 3D CAD modeler. Help the guy, don't confuse him.

[tobyaxis]

That's not helping at all. A 2D CAD program can't do that part. It's created in a 3D CAD modeler. Help the guy, don't confuse him.

The second post is a 2.5D part. I separated the posts to avoid confusion.

You have a point with the software being used though. I might be able to find a BobCAD file that is 2D for a better example.

[Switcher]

Ok,

2.5D can be done on a 3 or 4-axis machine (X,Y,Z,A)

3D would be 5-axis or greater (A,C,X,Y,Z), rotary axis both depend on your machine (A,C-axis names).

It's really all about how you setup the part, you could cut a 3D part with 2.5D software, but when you go to index the part (by hand) you better have a good fixture on your machine to align everything.

I think your ?'s would be better answered If you post a photo of the part you want to cut.

[Switcher]

This one is 2.5D and has no need for 3 Axis Machining

How would you cut that part in your .pdf file with less than 3-axis?

[Switcher]

Vectric has a program called Cut3D, that you can use on a 3-axis machine to get very close to 3D.

Still it's not full 3D (undercuts, etc...), the program only supports 3-axis (X,Y,Z), I understand why they did this, much larger market of machines that are only 3-axis.

It's still great software.

[tobyaxis]

Here is a reference from the machinery's handbook on 2.5D vs 3D.

On the left is 3D and on the right 2.5D drawn in an isometric projection.

[tobyaxis]

How would you cut that part in your .pdf file with less than 3-axis?

The Reference 2.5D Machining means that you have X,Y, & Z but the Z Axis is only for Depth. A friend of mine has a Proto-Track VMC where the Z-Axis can only be used for depth, hence he can't not do anything requiring Full 3 Axis.

That shoulder harness was machined using a 2.5D method. There are no Z Feeds in the program, only Z depths

The differences of 2.5D and 3D can get confusing when asking about both CAD and CAM.

In CAD you can create a Square Box on a flat 2D plane. Place a Depth Dimension on that same box and machine it. Now you have a 3D Box or Cube.

No pun intended but your definition wasn't exactly great either, because it is difficult to explain to a person in words. Now if we were all in the same room next to a VMC we could do that in about 2 seconds and show great examples.

Like I said, it can be difficult to explain.

[Swag]

A friend of mine has a Proto-Track VMC where the Z-Axis can only be used for depth, hence he can't not do anything requiring Full 3 Axis.

Toby, A friend of mine has a Prototrak that does full 3 X work, he purchased the DNC key.