Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

This forum is for general discussion about Aspire
Post Reply
jeanyes
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2017 7:43 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shop Sabre 612IS

Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by jeanyes »

Is there a way to create a texture using the "texturing toolpath" tool but then save what would be the result as an .stl file (or even a depth map)?

To put it another way, if you render the toolpath, I'd like to save what the preview looks like as an stl file. This would allow me to generate textures using the tool based on tools that I do not have but then I could go back and machine surface created using a router bit that is common. For example, it might be useful to generate the texture assuming I had a 4" ball mill. But because it would be hard or impossible to actually find and/or run a 4" ball mill I could then take the surface created and carve it using a 1" ball mill.

Thanks in advance!
Jeanyes

User avatar
mtylerfl
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 5865
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
Location: Brunswick, GA

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by mtylerfl »

Run your toolpath preview, then save the preview as a component via the Model Menu/Create Component from Toolpath Preview. Then, you can export the component as STL if you wish.
Michael Tyler

facebook.com/carvebuddy

-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC

Will Williamson
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 214
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2008 2:45 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Thermwood CS-45 5 x 10
Location: Capac, Michigan
Contact:

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by Will Williamson »

Will that work with molding tool path as well ?
Will Williamson willmade.com
Williamson Lumber & Millwork Inc.
Capac, Michigan

User avatar
mtylerfl
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 5865
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
Location: Brunswick, GA

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by mtylerfl »

Will Williamson wrote:Will that work with molding tool path as well ?
Do you own Aspire? If so, then yup! Try it yourself when you have a chance.
Michael Tyler

facebook.com/carvebuddy

-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC

User avatar
TReischl
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 4575
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:04 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 8020 48X36X7 RP 2022 UCCNC Screenset
Location: Leland NC

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by TReischl »

That is pretty neat Michael! For some reason (probably slightly damaged brain cells) I never noticed that could be done before.

Thanks!

And here I am, a Vectric Wizard. . .some "wizard", more like "sorcerer's apprentice" at times.
"If you see a good fight, get in it." Dr. Vernon Johns

jeanyes
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2017 7:43 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shop Sabre 612IS

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by jeanyes »

Thank you very much! Somehow I totally missed the option to create component from preview option. Sweet!!

LittleGreyMan
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1012
Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 1:10 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 3 axis small size machine
Location: France

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by LittleGreyMan »

Best regards

Didier

W7 - Aspire 8.517

User avatar
mtylerfl
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 5865
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
Location: Brunswick, GA

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by mtylerfl »

jeanyes wrote:Is there a way to create a texture using the "texturing toolpath" tool but then save what would be the result as an .stl file (or even a depth map)?

I forgot to answer the depth map portion of your question. Again, the answer is yes - you can export a model/component as a grayscale graphic (depth map) via Model Menu/Export as GrayScale Bitmap

I have fond memories of this feature addition! Many years ago, Tony McKenzie (one of the Vectric Founders) asked me how Aspire could be utilized for CarveWright CNC software users. At that time, the CarveWright software did not have a way to import STL models (it can now), but COULD import grayscale bitmaps (depth/height maps). So, I told Tony that's how Aspire could be useful for CarveWright users. Next thing you know, the Export as GrayScale Bitmap feature was added to Aspire!
Michael Tyler

facebook.com/carvebuddy

-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC

Will Williamson
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 214
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2008 2:45 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Thermwood CS-45 5 x 10
Location: Capac, Michigan
Contact:

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by Will Williamson »

How long has this feature been available? Save preview as component.
Will Williamson willmade.com
Williamson Lumber & Millwork Inc.
Capac, Michigan

User avatar
mtylerfl
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 5865
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
Location: Brunswick, GA

Re: Any way to save "texturing toolpath" as .stl file?

Post by mtylerfl »

Will Williamson wrote:How long has this feature been available? Save preview as component.
I don't recall exactly, but it has been many years.
Michael Tyler

facebook.com/carvebuddy

-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC

Post Reply