Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

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4DThinker
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Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by 4DThinker »

So far all I've been able to make and export as an STL file is one side of 2-sided jobs.

Just curious if this is impossible with Aspire 9.519 or there is some trick I haven't discovered yet.
I'm trying to make an old handle file of mine that I did as a 2 sided job. On the bottom side all I've done is pocket away the perimeter 3/8" down to leave a cylinder in the middle. The top side has several toolpaths to make a 5 star twist on handle with a pocket for a 1/4-20 hex nut. When I choose to make a component from the toolpath preview all that I seem to get is the top side toolpaths even if I make it while looking at the bottom side. The bottom side toolpath would be an undercut from the top side so maybe that's the problem, but as there is an option when saving as an STL to close the back with the 2nd side it seems as though something should be saved other than just a flat bottom of the top toolpaths.

Much appreciation for any advice you experienced model makers can provide.
4D

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ohiolyons
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by ohiolyons »

Good news bad news

So I have version 10.022 and there is an option when creating a STL "Close with other side (two-sided jobs only)" which created a double sided STL.

Bad news since you have version 9.519 I think it was added to Version 10. I maybe wrong.

If you would post the file I could create a STL and send it back to you. For that matter anyone you might know locally with version 10.

If I understand what you want done correctly.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by 4DThinker »

I've got the same option when saving as an STL, but when creating a component from the toolpaths it doesn't seem to pick up the results from the back side toolpaths. Thus the saved STL doesn't have the back shape either.

Can you create a 3D model in a 2-sided job that has a complex back side and a complex front side? All part of the same resulting component?

Thanks
4D

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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by ohiolyons »

Yes in theory.

Before I answered your question I grabbed an alligator clipart image and copied it to the other side.
I then told it to export that two sided image to a STL and I could see both sides of the alligator.

So it works on my simplified test.
So I guess you could create such a complicated component that might cause the software to choke and not create an accurate STL.

Post the image if there isn't a copy write issue and let me take a stab at it.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by BillK »

This is how I was able to model this handle. viewtopic.php?f=29&t=34301

Select Back face of triangulation, close with other side when exporting model as an STL file from Modeling menu. Fully available in Aspire 9.5.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by ohiolyons »

If what you are trying to do looks like the photos in that post, you are out of luck.

Vectric software only works on 2 sides anything on the 3rd or 4th side will be flat. as it sounds you are getting.

I was hoping Version 10 would allow for 4 sided creation, but at last no joy. There is always hope for 11 or switching to other software or Rhino to name a few.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by BillK »

Lol, all done in Aspire, but I didn’t say one file. After I exported the 2 sided STL I opened a new file, imported the STL, and added components to the front side of the handle. The Imported STL gave me the exact shape of the handle from the 2 sided machining. So I machined the left and right side, then screwed the back of the handle to a block and machined the top.

Outside the box, no?

Lol, have a good one.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by ohiolyons »

Off the top of my head there are only two ways to pull this off vectric software.

1) you need a 4th axis CNC and treat the image as if it was wrapped toolpath. I don't have an 4th axis machine so not very experienced with wrapping, someone else in the forum needs to chime in here.


OR


2) Create 2 double-sided files:

1 being left and right side of the handle in that post.
1 being top and bottom of the handle in that post.

Create a jig that rotates/indexes the work in 90 degree increments.

Cut the left side, rotate 90 degrees
Cut the bottom side, rotate 90 degrees
Cut the right side, rotate 90 degrees
Cut the top side, rotate 90 degrees
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by BillK »

3 Create one double sided model of the left and right side. Export STL as above. Create another file of the front of the handle using the STL from the first file.

Machine the 3D tool path for the left side on a 3 axis machine. Flip it over and machine the 3D of the right side. Cut out the handle with a profile toolpath. Screw the handle to a board. Machine the 3D of the front. The back was already done in the profile.

That’s the simple way I did it.
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by 4DThinker »

I've attached my 9.519 file that generated this 2-sided image. My end goal is to make an .STL of it and 3D print it out of nylon. Total thickness is 1". The 5 star top is 5/8", and the cyinder left on the bottom is 3/8" tall. Center hole should go all the way through.
2 sided handle.jpg
Thanks again for any help.

4D
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Handle for fence.crv3d
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by highpockets »

Interesting the bottom is actually there, it's just skirted by the perimeter of the Top side.
I'm sure Vectric has a great answer for this, but I'd send Support an email on this.
You could 3D Print this and just break off the skirt. Not a great answer...

Edited: I'd also bring it into 3D Builder or another program to fix the skirt issues before printing.
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Image 831.png
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by highpockets »

Ran the STL through Simplify3D and it looks like it will print correctly.
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Image 833.png
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by 4DThinker »

What version did you use highpockets? When I generated the component mine just has a square solid plate on the bottom with no indication there is a cylinder inside. When I load it into my 3D printer software there is also no sign of the bottom cylinder.

I also split the model and it is soild inside with no evidence of the bottom toolpath results.

4D

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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by highpockets »

4D, I'm using 10.019.

Did you use Create Component from Toolpath Preview? On both sides? Did you check Close with other side (two sided job only) when exporting to STL?
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Re: Possible to make a single model out of 2-sided job toolpaths?

Post by 4DThinker »

OK, so I eventually got the .STL with the skirt and the cylinder inside. I've just loaded it into my 3D printer software, and the skirt still shows up as does the cylinder inside it.

It'll take a couple hours to print though. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

4D

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