CAM / CNC ?
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I'm just a hobbyist with a home-made 3-axis CNC machine based on this one.
I use SketchUp and export the design as a 2d DXF. I use Vectric's Cut2d ($150) to import the DXF, and create the tool-paths. Finally, I use an open-source, DOS CNC program called CNCPro to run the CNC machine.
Here's a few images of tests I ran last summer.
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Jim, that is nice! How is that working? Is the way SketchUP draws curves present an accuracy problem?
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Thanks guys... exporting a .stl is not a problem. I use Rhino 3D and SketchUp
@unknownuser said:
errror404, what do you want to do with the CAM/CNC software?
It's for a hobby CNC machine that I'm building in my basement...
I'm modifying a X2 mini mill into a CNC machine
This is what I'm trying to do:
Youtube VideoThe CAD part I have it figure out... it's the CAM part which I need some help finding cheap solutions.
I would like to mill semi-complex things out of aluminum and copper. 2.5D and 3D
thanks for all the input, and sorry for taking so long to respond
Oh... maybe in the future, I'll add a 4th axis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvG_dmjA-pQ&feature=related
Youtube Video -
I've heard good things about EMC2 (for Linux.)
Also, PhlatScript can export g-code directly from SketchUp; and I've heard they are working on 3d support.
@dedmin said:
Jim, that is nice! How is that working? Is the way SketchUP draws curves present an accuracy problem?
Not working so well at the moment - I am having trouble with one of the axes going beserk and haven't been able to track down the cause. It's just a process of trial and error to eliminate the possibilities at this point.
SketchUp's segments are visible on larger-radius curves, but for the most part the default number of segments has been fine. My machine isn't designed to be super-accurate.
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Thanks, Jim. There are not so many people to give us first hand experience with CNC and SketchUP. And that is bogging many users that love SketchUP and want to use it for machining.
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I've experimented with Shapeways, also. They accept COLLADA files directly from SketchUp; although I had trouble with textures (Colors worked fine, just not image-based textures.) I made a Shapeways uploader using their API, if anyone is interested. I never posted it because it's too rough.
It seems clear to me that 3D printing will soon be on-par with other methods of machining/molding for many manufacturing processes - when the technology improves just a little more. From the press coverage, we appear to be a tipping point for 3D printing. It has become affordable for hobbyists to build 3d printers, and they are able to print copies of some of their own parts for repair or reproduction. Some of the avaialable materials that can be printed may surprise you.
Here are some images of a SketchUp Logo I had made: http://picasaweb.google.com/jim.foltz/Shapeways1?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbns9qi8q6q4QE&feat=directlink
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I'm cutting this license plate sized piece today - hope it doesn't go haywire while I'm inside reading the forums...
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Jim, did you use only the full color sandstone for the SU icon?
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@d12dozr said:
Jim, did you use only the full color sandstone for the SU icon?
I had it made in 4 pieces using just the "White, Strong and Flexible" material (which at the time happened to be available in the colors I needed.)
I wanted to make the icon as a single piece using the full-color sandstone, but at the time I couldn't figure out how to get Shapeways to accept the textured model. I believe Shapeways has improved their .dae importer since then.
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@jim said:
I'm cutting this license plate sized piece today - hope it doesn't go haywire while I'm inside reading the forums...
I jinxed myself - I went out to check and one of the axes had quit on me.
Another piece for the scrap pile. -
@jim said:
I had it made in 4 pieces using just the "White, String and Flexible" material (which at the time happened to be available in the colors I needed.)
I wanted to make the icon as a single piece using the full-color sandstone, but at the time I couldn't figure out how to get Shapeways to accept the textured model. I believe Shapeways has improved their .dae importer since then.
Ah, gotcha...thank you!
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I have a homebuilt CNC machine that I made a while back. Right now I am only using it to cut 2D parts. My current workflow is to draw the parts in Sketchup, export them to DXF, then bring them into Vectric Cut2D. From there I can setup my toolpaths then I can dump the GCode right into Mach3 to actually run the router and cut my parts.
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=a9dee01b6ca333d327c35158f65f2de0&prevstart=0
That is the design I made, and there is a video of it running in the description.
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so now my 2 cents worth,
a lot of the development of Sketchup for use in Cad/Cam workflows has come from the users of SU 'FREE', partly because it's their hobby, without Pro User deadlines etc...
when they took away native DXF import/export they cut off a major route to other software/hardware. So, firstly, I think that needs rectifying.
STL and X3D for 3D + SVG for 2D should also have native import/export support, with as many options as possible and/or be scriptable.
I feel these formats should be part of the free version where people have the time and inclination to really explore what can be done with SU-CAD/CAM.
I'll push the boat here and say Solid Tools should be fully functioning in 'free' to aid these pioneers...
john -
Hi John
indeed CADspan is in my plugin folder, but I am not going to order 3d prints from Colorado to be delivered in Brittany... think 100kgarages 3d printing !
what I am thinking is that 3D printing is the obvious result for 3d modeling, not 2D printing ...
what I draw in sketchup mainly is to build it.therefor, I believe it would make sense that *.STL is a native export format :
as in SU8 : File --> Export --> 3D Model --> *.STL
actually, I may be mistaking, STL as a 3rd party extension maybe not the best solution :
would you / SU / Google create a SU native 3D printing file format, with the now growing market of 3d printing and the reducing cost of the equipment, that would set a standard, wouldn't it ?Eversince I've been using 3d modeling tools, I've been thinking digital 3D --> physical 3D
unconference: https://sites.google.com/site/3dbasecamp2010/unconference-sessions/sketchup-for-3d-milling-printing-etc
Bertier
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jbacus,
Have you seen this new format, AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format), developed specifically for 3D printing? It may be worth taking a look at incorporating into Sketchup, article here. Groovy features like color info and multiple materials are able to be included...great for making color 3D prints of homes textured with multiple images
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I was just about to mention that article...
*.amf will replace *.stl
sounds great !
all about it : http://creativemachines.cornell.edu/amf
here is some more on this topic : copyright breach and 3d print : the new issue
http://t.co/wE5Q2oO
paste the link in google translate !) -
@driven said:
when they took away native DXF import/export they cut off a major route to other software/hardware. So, firstly, I think that needs rectifying.
DXF export was never a feature of free SketchUp.
DXF import was removed from free SketchUp in v.8 and we focused our attention on the open COLLADA format for 3D asset exchange in the free product. I discussed that on our blog at length here.
I think AMF looks interesting, and will keep an eye on it as it evolves. I don't think that STL is a panacea in the near term.
john
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go AMF !
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