Cutting a 3D profile along linework

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CanisLupus
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Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by CanisLupus »

How do I cut a 3D profile (varying Z-values) along some linework? Imagine sinuous, meandering linework in the X,Y direction with Z-values that undulate like rolling hills. I'd like to avoid creating a 3D model. It seems like something I should be able to accomplish with toolpathing but I could create a 3D if that's the only solution.

In the attached image, the lines represent the X and Y directions (a top or plan view).

Thanks,
Scott
3d_profile.png

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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Won't the Create Vector Texture tool do what you want?
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

Rcnewcomb wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 6:20 pm
Won't the Create Vector Texture tool do what you want?
I think that the illustration is a “side view” of the material. I take it that the curvature is going up and down in the Z axis. (I’m not sure)
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

Here's a cutaway side view of what I think (??) is being described. I had to make an underlying model to profile this with the Z undulations.

(included a non-cutaway view screenshot, too)
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cutaway_view_3d_profile.png
top-angled_view_3d_profile.png
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

I re-read the original post. I’m befuddled what is actually wanted. Could you provide a sketch of some kind to clarify a bit more? ...or maybe I’m the only one “not getting it”!
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by adze_cnc »

mtylerfl wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 6:39 pm
I think that the illustration is a “side view” of the material. I take it that the curvature is going up and down in the Z axis. (I’m not sure)
Michael: The original poster mentions (parenthetically) that it is the plan view.

Original Poster: read up on the moulding toolpath. If you had Aspire (or a third-party 3D package) you could model this with a “2 rail sweep”.

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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

Yeah - top View - but wants up/down Z, etc.

I’m still not clear exactly what the goal is, though.
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by dealguy11 »

Check out the Texture Toolbox gadget. It may do what you want:

https://gadgets.vectric.com/V10/texture_toolbox.html
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

Oh my goodness! Is that all the OP is wanting to do? I certainly missed the boat.

I’ll use ScottP55 excuse - not enough coffee today :D
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by Rcnewcomb »

not enough coffee today
Image
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

:D
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CanisLupus
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by CanisLupus »

Another example, let's say I have a straight line 10 inches long. I want to create a toolpath to run a bit along the line. I won't be cutting through the material but rather creating a channel. The depth of cut (DoC) will change at various points along the line with smooth transitions (no steps) between.

The desired toolpath will start at 0" with a DoC of 0.125 and smoothly ramp to 4" where the DoC is 0.500, then smoothly transition to 6" where the DoC is 0.250, then smoothly transition to 9" where the DoC is 0.375, and finish by smoothly transitioning to 10" where the DoC is 0.250. The number of points with a known DoC is not fixed and I might have more or fewer points of known DoC along the line.

The image included in my original post shows the TOP or PLAN view. In that example, I would be creating two toolpaths - one for each set of arcs - and each toolpath could have different DoC along it.

CanisLupus wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 3:39 am
How do I cut a 3D profile (varying Z-values) along some linework? Imagine sinuous, meandering linework in the X,Y direction with Z-values that undulate like rolling hills. I'd like to avoid creating a 3D model. It seems like something I should be able to accomplish with toolpathing but I could create a 3D if that's the only solution.

In the attached image, the lines represent the X and Y directions (a top or plan view).

Thanks,
Scott

3d_profile.png

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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by mtylerfl »

Sorry - on my way to Jamaica for some Blue Mountain coffee...
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by Rcnewcomb »

The desired toolpath will start at 0" with a DoC of 0.125 and smoothly ramp to 4" where the DoC is 0.500, then smoothly transition to 6" where the DoC is 0.250, then smoothly transition to 9" where the DoC is 0.375, and finish by smoothly transitioning to 10" where the DoC is 0.250. The number of points with a known DoC is not fixed and I might have more or fewer points of known DoC along the line.
I don't know your programming skills, but I'd probably set up a spreadsheet that does the math and generate the G code from the spreadsheet.
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CanisLupus
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Re: Cutting a 3D profile along linework

Post by CanisLupus »

I could develop a programmatic solution. That's not an option I considered. I'm still holding out hope for a built-in solution since my linework is rarely straight lines.

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