File Output for 5-Axis CNC Machining?

EzekielK · 27 Aug 2021, 16:38

Got an Art Director asking about using sketchup geometry to drive a 5-axis CNC machine. Have found apps advertised for preparing SU files for the purpose but the process looks torturous and so far as I know SU is not a favored tool for the modeling -> CNC pipeline.

Does anyone have recommendations for a process that works well for moving sketchup geometry over to the CNC side, and/or any typical constraints or difficulties encountered in doing that?

Thanks in advance.

K

Rich O Brien · 27 Aug 2021, 17:41

Did you look at SketchUcam?

Releases · swarfer/sketchucam

SketchUcam - Gcode from Sketchup, the easy way! Contribute to swarfer/sketchucam development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub (github.com)

Did you try Freecad to Gcode Export? Or are you dealing with SKP files primarily?

EzekielK · 27 Aug 2021, 20:09

@rich o brien said:

Did you look at SketchUcam?

Releases · swarfer/sketchucam

SketchUcam - Gcode from Sketchup, the easy way! Contribute to swarfer/sketchucam development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub (github.com)

Did you try Freecad to Gcode Export? Or are you dealing with SKP files primarily?

everything is starting as skp files

Rich O Brien · 27 Aug 2021, 21:52

Only one I knew is SketchUcam. Sorry, not much else to add.

SketchUp is a poly modeller so TRUE curves aren't possible. You will always fight against segments causing facetting.

I believe SketchUcam's extport to g-code was quite adequate on flat sheet cuts. But 5-axis stuff could be a bit of a stretch.