help with stl

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slowdigits
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Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:49 am
Model of CNC Machine: 3252

help with stl

Post by slowdigits »

I have an stl file but i only want to machine the scallop design into some MDF is there a way to machine the scallop only in the MDF then cut out the profile? when I import it it seems to want to machine the entire surface of the MDF will be .250 thick I have included the pdf
Thanks all

Steve
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6in Scallop-NEW-V6.pdf
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highpockets
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Re: help with stl

Post by highpockets »

Add a bounding box around the component then select Selected Vector under Machining Limit Boundary in the roughing/finishing toolpaths.
John
Maker of Chips

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adze_cnc
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Re: help with stl

Post by adze_cnc »

Besides the STL file do you have access to the vectors used to create the scallops? If so bring them in Aspire and limit your 3D cuts to the areas defined by those vectors.

slowdigits
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:49 am
Model of CNC Machine: 3252

Re: help with stl

Post by slowdigits »

I dont have access to the file Im hoping i can get someone to separate the stl when i create a bounding box I just get an error no suitable vectors, when I use the crate vectors it only does the profile not the scallops.
Thanks all

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martin54
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Re: help with stl

Post by martin54 »

You have posted the PDF file for people to view, you can import that into the software & then trace the scallop vectors :lol: :lol:
If you don't have a lot of experience drawing/tracing then this would be a good project to practise with as it's pretty simple :lol:

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highpockets
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Re: help with stl

Post by highpockets »

Is this what you're looking for?
Image 050.png
John
Maker of Chips

slowdigits
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:49 am
Model of CNC Machine: 3252

Re: help with stl

Post by slowdigits »

Yes highpockets thats exactly what Im looking for

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highpockets
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Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2015 4:04 pm
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Re: help with stl

Post by highpockets »

Steve, you've got everything you need to create this. I used the pdf file you posted.

Import the pdf

Select just one scallop, I used the right scallop.
Image 051.png
Copy the selected vectors to a new layer and hide the Import layer.
Image 052.png
Delete the unwanted horizontal lines.

The arch and vertical line or OK so nothing to do there right now.

Now the shell(?) needs some help it's comprised of short open vectors. You need to create closed vectors for each peddle(?) of the shell. This is where taking Martin's suggestion and learn Join tool and Node Editing is going to really help.

Once you have the peddles joined into 5 separated closed vectors, select the 5 peddles and arch and using the Array Copy tool you can make as many copies as you'd like.

Mirror the vertical line to the other side of the arches and draw a horizontal line at the bottom to connect the bottom of the vertical lines.

Selected all the arches, vertical lines and horizontal bottom line and create a closed vector using the Join tools.

Done.... Setup toolpaths as desired.

Hope this helps.
John
Maker of Chips

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