Machining Large 3D Model- Slicing Options in different softwares

[Khalid]

In this thread we will discuss various technique we are using to slice a big model so that it can be machined by our router..
Please share your DIY techniques for slicing..also pls post any MAcro/software u r using for slicing function.

[ger21]

Load model into MeshCAM, choose slicing option, generate g-code for each slice.

[Khalid]

hmmm... So MESHCAM can do Slicing...interesting...Now if i want to save each slice in .STL format ..so MeshCam can do it..?
Now the slice option in Cut3D is also gr8..But tell me if we can make a macro/lil software to slice a 3D model...(such as Slicer for ArtCam pro..but it does rlf files only)...

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Khalid hmmm... So MESHCAM can do Slicing...interesting...Now if i want to save each slice in .STL format ..so MeshCam can do it..?

No, it can't save each slice as an .stl

[Khalid]

thank you GER21 are u the same who wrote the MeshCAM?

[Khalid]

hmm.. and u r also writing Macros of G-code for AutoCad...i saw ur thread somewhere at cnczone i guess

[Khalid]

just googled and found interesting thread on shopbot forum
May be helpful for anybody interested. But i hope we will find some new ways for doing slicing...One of the reason is that nobody can afford many programs..

[Tony Mac]

Khalid,

Cut3D will slice large / thick models into portions that are equal to the available material thickness. The toolpaths for each slice of the model only machine the 3D portion - the sides of the model and don't waste time cutting the flat top surface of the material.

Each slice can be machined using just Cut3D. It's also possible to use VCarve Pro to setup and machine multiple slices from a single sheet of material. Save each slice + toolpaths in Cut3D and then Import all the slices (.v3d files) into VCarve Pro and move them around to allow multiple pieces to be machined from the material in one go.

I hope this makes sense and below is an image that might help.

Notice that models such as the 3D head shown in the image below can automatically be sliced above and below a plane passing through the model. So both sides can be machined and assembled.

Tony

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Khalid thank you GER21 are u the same who wrote the MeshCAM?

No, but I've been using it since the first beta version.

But yes, I did write the AutoCAD g-code macro.

Notice that models such as the 3D head shown in the image below can automatically be sliced above and below a plane passing through the model. So both sides can be machined and assembled.

Very cool feature, Tony.

[Khalid]

Offcourse Tony CUT3D is great Software Now the question is wether the software slice itself knowing the front and back of the model or we have to slice the model from top first and then again after saving the sliced model, Open the complete model in Cut3D reorient it to bottom and then slice it again from the bottom side??

[Tony Mac]

H Khalid,

It's fully automatic.

Taking the 3D head model > working from the middle of the model each of the multiple slices is created and saved as a separate Cut3D file that is the required material Z thickness.

If your fish model was scaled to be 1.5m long and 250mm high and you needed to cut it from 50mm thick material. The software automatically creates 5 separate models each 50mm thick.

You do have to open each slice model > calculate > preview and save the toolpaths. But the toolpaths will only cut the 3D region of each slice - not wasting time running over the flat area where the blocks of material simply sit on top of each other.

Tony

[Khalid]

Dear Tony ..i want to PM you but it seems your space is full