Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

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jaru-eri
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Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by jaru-eri »

Will it be possible to make a mirror copy of a stl-model like the knife handle below and merge them for double sided maching? Or maybe to a full 3d model for rotary machining?
knivskaft.jpg

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gkas
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by gkas »

Why not cut the two halves, then glue-up? No 3D assembly required.

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jaru-eri
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by jaru-eri »

If I can create a 3D model and use a rotary machining toolpath, I will then avoid damaging the decoration on the sides which can´t be engraved just from one side.

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martin54
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by martin54 »

Although vcarve only allows one stl model you can have as many copies of that one stl as you like so yes you can import the one file & duplicate it, for 2 sided machining you just need to copy the component to the other side. :lol: :lol:

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jaru-eri
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by jaru-eri »

I managed to create a two sided toolpath, but I couldn´t change it to a rotary job. Are there any ways to import a two sided project to a rotary setup?
knivskaft 2.jpg

gregk
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by gregk »

It is possible to export the model as STL and then import than into rotary project.

Greg K

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jaru-eri
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by jaru-eri »

gregk wrote:It is possible to export the model as STL and then import than into rotary project.

Greg K
OK!
But which kind of file type do I need to export it as? I can´t find "stl" as an alternative. And do I need to mark the model on both sides? I couldn´t find a way to do that.

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Adrian
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by Adrian »

Are we talking VCarve here? You can only export as an STL file from Aspire.

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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by gregk »

Adrian is right, STL-export is Aspire-only feature. I'm sorry for misleading you, I just didn't notice that it was V-Carve section of the forum.

In your case, there is another workflow possible, that does not require you to go through double-sided project.
  1. Create a rotary job and import your STL model of half of the handle:
    RotaryImport.png
    It should look like this (view from Z axis):
    ImportedFront.png
    From the other side it will look horrible (but we will fix that in a moment):
    ImportedBack.png
  2. In your component tree you should now have your imported model and a zero plane. Right click on the former and select duplicate
  3. Select the copy of the imported model and mirror it vertically (or horizontally, if you are wrapping around X axis)
  4. With that component still selected, go to 'Move Selection' form. Select bottom left corner as the anchor, select 'Absolute' as move type and enter x: 0 y: y/2 (press equal here to calculate the formula (if wrapping around x axis use x: x/2 y:0
  5. Set the merge mode of the component to merge. It should look like this:
    AlmostThere.png
  6. Right click on the level and select 'Wrapping'. Both sides of the handle should be now fully visible
The final result can look like this:
WholeHandle.png
You may get the seam between two halves. This would have been easy to fix, if you were using Aspire (e.g. using Sculpting tool). I'm not sure what to do about it in V-Carve though, maybe someone here will have some tips on that.

I hope that this helps with your project.

Greg K

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jaru-eri
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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by jaru-eri »

I followed your plan, and it looked good at the first 3d view, but I got a split in the roughing toolpath. The finishing toolpath calculated more properly as you can see at the pictures, so something doesn´t work as it should.
First 3d view
First 3d view
Roughing toolpath
Roughing toolpath
Finishing toolpath
Finishing toolpath
Edit:

After posting the pictures I´ve found that the same problem also occur with other whole 3d models, so this has nothing to do with only the merged one. maybe there is something wrong with the calculation of the toolpath in my program.

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Re: Merge stl-files for double sided machining?

Post by gregk »

In that case please send us your project and STL file if possible to support@vectric.com so we can have a closer look.

Greg K

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