Newbie really basic question- scaling 3D shape? - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

BiggerHammer · #1 11-17-2009, 02:58 PM

I have a question that is probably quite basic to anyone who has CNC experience: if I have a program for a three-dimensional shape (say, a Volkswagen Bug), can I mill out a large model a foot long and a small one an inch long?

I'm interested in creating some models for an N-scale model railroad. At 1:160th scale, details are easier to check if I create a larger protype first. Also I may want to make the same model in 1/87th scale.

So, can 'average' hobby-grade CNC software scale a complex shape up or down?

Thank you.

ger21 · #2 11-17-2009, 06:11 PM

Depending on the format, you should be able to scale it in either a CAD or CAM program.

BiggerHammer · #3 11-18-2009, 08:37 AM

Thank you.

mcphill · #4 11-18-2009, 10:16 AM

With just the CNC code, it will be more difficult. If you have the source 3D model, and created the code in CAM, then it is pretty easy.

ger21 · #5 11-18-2009, 10:18 AM

Oops, I guess I misread that. If all you have is the g-code, it is possible to scale it with a control like Mach3, but you won't get as good of a result as if you scale it in CAD or CAM.

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