mike os
just a little insane.....
- Messages
- 9,809
- Location
- North Wales
Fetish?I can't get my head around this, what does the knife holder go in, and why do you want ten thousand felt squares?
- Thread starter ukracer
- Start date
Misterg
Member
- Messages
- 1,162
- Location
- North Wales
Ahh - it's the .stl file that I was on about (the original design), not the G code.
Edit:
I'm not sure if you're asking a more fundamental question:
Once you have a CAD design (be it 2D or 3D) one needs to run CAM software where you describe how you would like to machine / cut / etc. the design - In the case of a router, for example:
* What diameter cutter you will be using
* How fast do you want to feed it
* What depth of cut, etc.
* How big is the stock?
* In what order do you want to machine it?
etc. etc.
Once all this is sorted, you will have the tool paths needed to machine the part.
The next step is to 'post process' these to produce the G Code that will run on your specific machine.
All of this is possible within the 'Manufacturing' workspace in Fusion360 (or loads of other programs).
Apologies if we've ended up in granny/eggs territory
Ok ...my sons company supplies material and I just process the squares.I can't get my head around this, what does the knife holder go in, and why do you want ten thousand felt squares?
What they are used for I have no idea.
This is my set up.
No all info greatfully received.Ahh - it's the .stl file that I was on about (the original design), not the G code.
Edit:
I'm not sure if you're asking a more fundamental question:
Once you have a CAD design (be it 2D or 3D) one needs to run CAM software where you describe how you would like to machine / cut / etc. the design - In the case of a router, for example:
* What diameter cutter you will be using
* How fast do you want to feed it
* What depth of cut, etc.
* How big is the stock?
* In what order do you want to machine it?
etc. etc.
Once all this is sorted, you will have the tool paths needed to machine the part.
The next step is to 'post process' these to produce the G Code that will run on your specific machine.
All of this is possible within the 'Manufacturing' workspace in Fusion360 (or loads of other programs).
Apologies if we've ended up in granny/eggs territory
Will upload STL later. I need to look for it.
Try these...it won't help with use of files but it's how I have refined the setup over time.I can't get my head around this, what does the knife holder go in, and why do you want ten thousand felt squares?
We started with steel patterns and cutting center hole by hand as well.
Agroshield
Member
- Messages
- 5,597
The tag should not be a problem as it is an external curve.
The way to visualise it is to take a round pencil and slide it around the part outline. It will always touch on external features, but on internal features, it will bridge tight corners. Use a larger diameter pencil and the bridging is increased.
For a trial run on the router, you could use a piece of blue foam roof insulation, double-sided taped to the machine bed. It is more forgiving than metal. Make the second try out of MDF, again taped down. Then think about clamping using screws. By the third one you will know enough not to mow through the screws with the cutter.
Misterg
Member
- Messages
- 1,162
- Location
- North Wales
Don't worry about it, I don't think it's much use to you at the moment (other than for curiosity's sake).
Think of the CAM stage as the equivalent step to the slicer on your 3D printing.
It'll be easier to do the CAM if all the faces are flat and true (which you can guarantee by starting from scratch - if you've got the dimensions, it's quick to draw up anyway), and it will need some modification to make the internal corners machinable.
Something like this:
(F360 model, roughly drawn by eye attached - feel free to grab it if it's of any use to you. Blade recess has 4mm clearances to suit ~3mm cutter)
Edit to add missing machining relief & another edit to add link to the CAM Post processor for F360 / UCCNC
Agroshield
Member
- Messages
- 5,597
From the original picture of how the 3DP has failed, it looks as if the metal blade is being forced into the plastic print by the cutting pressure, splitting it like a log.
Could you incorporate a metal insert into the print at 90 degrees to the blade (looking end-on, the blade plus insert would be T-shaped) so the load is spread over a much wider area? Even a single circular metal pin through the print at the position of maximum stress might spread the load enough to lengthen its life.
Could you incorporate a metal insert into the print at 90 degrees to the blade (looking end-on, the blade plus insert would be T-shaped) so the load is spread over a much wider area? Even a single circular metal pin through the print at the position of maximum stress might spread the load enough to lengthen its life.
I guess that would be possible but I have had one 3D printed part last over 10000 squares so in all honesty it's not a great issue.
It was more me looking for an excuse to actually make something with my CNC.
I guess it was as much to break up the monotony of the task in hand as it goes much quicker if you are not thinking about the next cut and how many are left to cut..lol
This is today's graft.
managed to save as a stepfile https://www.dropbox.com/s/90qsw77cfgl4pym/UtilityKnife(Holder,Clamp)(swamitized!)-B5 v1.step?dl=0No all info greatfully received.
Will upload STL later. I need to look for it.
Possibly and possibly quicker for me to Bridgeport it. But the main aim was to get my **** into gear and learn to use the CNC. Sadly, the need to get the squares finished took precedence over using it as a live project. Plus illness in much of the family and Dad catheter playing up again meant a straight choice of going and relaxing for a few days. I took the relaxing.
I also have a book to read (fusion)...
I was not worried about the 10 model limit or the lack of rapids BUT I now see fusion wants you to pay to export to DXF files lolDon't worry about it, I don't think it's much use to you at the moment (other than for curiosity's sake).
Think of the CAM stage as the equivalent step to the slicer on your 3D printing.
It'll be easier to do the CAM if all the faces are flat and true (which you can guarantee by starting from scratch - if you've got the dimensions, it's quick to draw up anyway), and it will need some modification to make the internal corners machinable.
Something like this:
View attachment 378328
(F360 model, roughly drawn by eye attached - feel free to grab it if it's of any use to you. Blade recess has 4mm clearances to suit ~3mm cutter)
Edit to add missing machining relief & another edit to add link to the CAM Post processor for F360 / UCCNC
I sort of guessed from Devs previous reply that was the case. But thought fusion might twigg that instead of wanted me to pay for full version only to find I could not do.it anyway. Lol
Misterg
Member
- Messages
- 1,162
- Location
- North Wales
That file opens OK in the (free) version of F360 and looks quite clean (upload the file in Fusion first, then open it). It comes in as two separate bodies that are easier to deal with if you join them, but otherwise seems to play nicely.
Seems to work OK with the CAM (don't copy this - just messing)
(It would still need some tweaks to be able to machine out the sharp internal corners as described above).
daedalusminos
Member
- Messages
- 2,246
- Location
- Norwich
The main problem I would think is whether the F360 output is compatible with the OP CNC.
Much better to create a 3 view and export DXF, import that into CNC software and create toolpaths
Much better to create a 3 view and export DXF, import that into CNC software and create toolpaths
But @MattH has confirmed I can't do that. Now I am confused..
