Developing 3D Art Work for a Newbie

[gimmephone]

I recently completed my very own 3-Axis CNC machine, but I am completely unfamiliar with the software aspect. I have tested out images on my machine and those work amazing. I even tried out the Dodge Viper Top View available for download on this websire and that too looks awesome.

My question is how can I create my own CNC files from Autocad or other CAD/CAM softwares. Say I have an Autocad file for a 3D shape, how can I isolate the face that I wish to mill on my machine? (e.g. Top Face, Right Face, Left Face etc.)

Thanks

[lakeside]

you may want to call bobcad and get an on-line demo of Bobcad and Bobart
ask for Chad Clark 877-262-2231ext 124

[ger21]

Originally Posted by gimmephone My question is how can I create my own CNC files from Autocad or other CAD/CAM softwares. Say I have an Autocad file for a 3D shape, how can I isolate the face that I wish to mill on my machine? (e.g. Top Face, Right Face, Left Face etc.) Thanks

Are you just trying to get an image of one of AutoCAD's views? Or do you want to actually machine the model? You can export the 3D model and use a CAM program to generate code.

[lakeside]

if you only need one file, I can do for you (maybe untill I see file)

[lakeside]

Originally Posted by gimmephone IMy question is how can I create my own CNC files from Autocad or other CAD/CAM softwares. Say I have an Autocad file for a 3D shape, how can I isolate the face that I wish to mill on my machine? (e.g. Top Face, Right Face, Left Face etc.) Thanks

This is done in the way you set your veiws for machining in cam software the face you are machining become Z axis

[gimmephone]

Thanks for your replies. I wish to machine the actual model. The problem is if I have a DXF file that I found online, and I run this through ACE converter for conversion to G-Code. This wont work as the machine can only machine a single face (either top, right,left or bottom). So I need a software that I can use to isolate a single view/face and convert that to G-code. If you guys know any freeware softwares, it would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone has any sample projects they can share, I would really appreciate that. I have already tried the 3D face and the Dogde Viper on this website

Lakeside: So say I have a model and I wish to machine the top face, will the CAD software automatically generate the G-Code for the top face view, with the depths set as my Z-Axis?

[ger21]

Freemill is free, and can do it, but it will only read .stl files. It's very limited, though.http://www.cncportal.com/
They'll send you a password to get it to work.

You can export a solid model as an .stl from AutoCAD.

For a .dxf, MeshCAM is probably the next cheapest option. www.meshcam.com

You don't need to isolate a face. You machine 1 side, then rotate the model 180degrees, and do the other side. The software will take care of the rest.

Other options are BobCAD, like Mike said.

Millwizard. http://www.millwizard.com/default.asp

Deskproto. www.deskproto.com

and many others.

[lakeside]

Originally Posted by gimmephone Lakeside: So say I have a model and I wish to machine the top face, will the CAD software automatically generate the G-Code for the top face view, with the depths set as my Z-Axis?

As Gerry say all you have to do is rotate the autocad drawing till you have the veiw you want..If you want I have some files for you.So if you want send me a pm with your e-mail address as most solid file are a liitle large to post