Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

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wmgeorge
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Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by wmgeorge »

Its a flat bottom, think of it as a fancy serving tray and it was sent to me as a STL file in Inch format. How can I create tool paths in VCP9.5 to cut with my Mach3 machine? OR do I need Cut3D, not opposed to spending (more) money if thats what it takes!!

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adze_cnc
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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by adze_cnc »

All will be revealed in the user's manual under 3D modelling and toolpaths... https://docs.vectric.com/docs/V9.5/VCar ... index.html

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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by Rcnewcomb »

This video goes through that information: Importing and Exporting 3D Data
This tutorial looks at how you can import and export 3D Data into Aspire and VCarve. We start by looking at the standard ways that you can import 3D models into both VCarve and Aspire, in the second part of the tutorial we focus on the method unique to Aspire.
- Randall Newcomb
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wmgeorge
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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by wmgeorge »

Thanks guys, I did get it worked out on a good file. The one my customer sent me was not the correct format.

So what purpose does Cut3D serve?

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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by Rcnewcomb »

So what purpose does Cut3D serve?
Cut3D would be needed for 4-sided machining
Image

Cut3D is a dedicated toolpath engine for CNC machining 3D models that have been designed using a 3D CAD or Graphics design product such as AutoCAD, Rhino3D, 3D Studio etc. or scanned using a laser or touch probe device. Cut3D's exceptionally easy to use interface leads you step-by-step through the process of loading a model, setting the size, interactively placing tabs to hold the job in place, calculating single, double or four sided roughing and finishing toolpaths, previewing the results and finally saving the CNC code to run on your machine.

3D Models that are too large / thick to machine because of gantry height, cutter length or limited material thickness can be 'Sliced' into separate pieces. Each slice can then be machined and the complete job assembled.
- Randall Newcomb
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wmgeorge
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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by wmgeorge »

OK, thanks Randall. I have used 3D models with my 3D printer and those needed to be sliced. I thought maybe I needed to do that for VCP. But it worked as is. Now to find the time to do those prototypes.

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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by Adrian »

Slicing in Vectric software is a completely different thing to slicing in 3D printing software.

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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by PaulRowntree »

I don't believe that STL files have inch/mm or any other units associated with them ... the importing software does that.
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wmgeorge
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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by wmgeorge »

Yes that is correct. STL Files are just Units, it can be inches or mm. Learned that several years ago :?:

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Re: Can a STL file Be Done in VCP9.5

Post by garylmast »

Before I knew about slicing, years ago I did this project in Aspire, but now VCarvePro has rotary, you can always attempt the 3-D model this way.

Gary
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