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?

https://github.com/swarfer/sketchucam/releases

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?

https://github.com/swarfer/sketchucam/releases

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.