Interesting problem

[Jan.vanderlinden]

When I import the model everything looks good.
Smooth edges and lettering.

In the 2D layout view this is what it looks like
You can see the roughness on the edges and the lettering.

After creating the cutter pathes, my preview shows chattering.

When I cut the material, I get the same results as the preview

Why is this happening?
Why would my preview not be the same as the original model that I imported?

[IslaWW]

In all honesty I personally would never cut something with that geometry as a 3D model. It would be faster, cleaner and much higher quality to machine using 2D vectors.

[highpockets]

http://support.vectric.com/vcp-question ... ry-rough-2

[garylmast]

Since 3-D models are pixel base, at the same time you hit "Create a new file" hold down shift. Then on the modeling resolution you can choose either "Extremely High or Maximum" resolution.

Gary

[Leo]

As with Gary - I would also do that as a 2D process

[Jan.vanderlinden]

When you say 2D, do you mean to stack the vectors?

[LittleGreyMan]

When you say 2D, do you mean to stack the vectors?

Yes. That's 2,5D, ie you can break it down into successive 2D operations as the opposite of reliefs that require continuous Z variations.

General rule: if it's not 3D, don't use 3D toolpath.

You can get a nice cut if you have a CAM which provides toolpath for cutting high slope walls, but it will never be as efficient as 2D cuts.

[adze_cnc]

When you say 2D, do you mean to stack the vectors?

If by "stack the vectors" you mean the "stacked text" technique not necessarily but it could be done that way.

Looking at the model and with the right vectors and bit sizes I think this could be done with 4 pocket toolpaths and 2 profile toolpaths. The two profiles are the full-depth final profile pass and around the rectangle that the word "Michigan" sits on. All other levels would be the pocket paths.

Steven

[garylmast]

If I was doing this particular model, I think I would model it as mentioned, however, not all times do you want to or can, so you have to import the 3-D model. A quick search found a model similar to yours from Thingiverse. I imported it both standard resolution and maximum resolution. It was a crappy model to start with, so you can't hope for much, but there is quite a difference. Notice around the letters and outside edges. A better 3-D model would give you better results.

Gary

[redwood]

That would be a fairly simple model to make in 2.5D. Here is a Michigan sign I did awhile back. We did adjust the color of the M after this pic was taken.

[Jan.vanderlinden]

Thank you all for the input.
I have never built a stacked vector program.
But im going to give it a whirl.
Is there a tutorial on the subject?
Thanks again for the help.

[RebeccaJ]

Hi Jan,

As all have mentioned here you are going to get far better results approaching this from a 2D machining point of view. The idea is to think of you part in layers, where the word "Michigan" will be at the top (least cut depth) and the Border for the letter M will have the least height and therefore have more cutting depth.
In terms of tutorials there isn't one that deals with an example exactly like yours however you can take a look at this stacked text example: https://support.vectric.com/tutorials/V ... cks_1.html this should hopefully help you understand how to create the different heights between each text entity by using the pocket toolpath and altering the start depths for each height level.
Going forward I have made a note to consider recording a new tutorial using an example similar to yours here.
I hope this helps.

[Jan.vanderlinden]

So i watched the tutorial and have been trying to make the 2.5D model.
The first pocket cut with MICHIGAN in the center comes out good.
But when I try to go down subsequent layers, it still blow the center away.
What am I missing?

[adze_cnc]

Have a look at this. My earlier thoughts on toolpaths were not quite right. 3 pockets and 1 profile (with the right vectors) are all that was needed.

Of course, things may need to be altered for your design thicknesses, etc.

Steven

Michigan.crv

As always, check that tooling and setup are appropriate for your machine.

(590 KiB) Downloaded 43 times

[Jan.vanderlinden]

I can do a pocket cut for MICHIGAN and the first boundary.
But when I try to make the second cut (which would make the large "M") it does not respect the first boundary and completely wipes out the center portion where is says MICHIGAN.