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  1. #1
    Hi,

    I use Zbrush to sculpt my models in the above files to import to CAM software at University.

    Zbrush is not a CAD software it uses meshes and I want to use it to carve out artistic organic creations in wood.

    Should this be an issue? Because the CNC operator HATES my files and says they are not correct files. I dont need very high engineering tolerances, just beautiful carvings that are the correct size give or take a few mm.

    He wont even accept stl. - its only for 3D printng apparently.

    Would love some advice and context as to why I am hitting this brick wall and how can I better work with the above files for CNC work.



    Regards

  2. #2
    Quote Originally Posted by zymon View Post
    Hi,

    He wont even accept stl. - its only for 3D printng apparently.
    Well I don't have a printer and regularly use .stl files on my router for wood carvings though only 2.5D.

    Eslcam which I use handles stl files and will let you try it if you download it.

    John

  3. #3
    He's right you're presenting him with things which are not CAD/CAM friendly, you should be using STEP and/or IGES if you want cross-platform compatibility.
    Use Free Cad to convert your meshes to solids, it's well documented on line how, someone may post a link to instructions.
    You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D

  4. #4
    I used Zbrush in the past and it works fantastic. You need to save as a height map or Alpha. I then used Aspire, which you can create GCODE from Alpha maps in the photo relief tool. Example below. Its really simple.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Fiction is far more plausible when wrapped around a thread of truth

    Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson


  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by magicniner View Post
    He's right you're presenting him with things which are not CAD/CAM friendly, you should be using STEP and/or IGES if you want cross-platform compatibility.
    Use Free Cad to convert your meshes to solids, it's well documented on line how, someone may post a link to instructions.
    I was under the impression that to convert mesh files like obj. to nurbs files like 3dm. was very difficult and the software that does it is very expensive.

  6. #6
    I was thinking of buying MeshCAM as it states that it will work with lots of Mesh sculpting softwares like Zbrush and MeshCAM told me this:-

    "'Most CAM software converts CAD files into the same type of representation as an STL file because the math to calculate a toolpath is much more simple and reliable. As long as the STL is at least as accurate as you need the finished part to be, you're good.''

  7. #7
    I was under the impression that to convert mesh files like obj. to nurbs files like 3dm. was very difficult and the software that does it is very expensive.
    Yes, and there's no need to convert your mesh models.
    There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.
    Gerry
    ______________________________________________
    UCCNC 2022 Screenset

    Mach3 2010 Screenset

    JointCAM - CAM for Woodworking Joints

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Ger21 View Post
    There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.
    Assume one is MeshCam. Could you mention a few others as I need to decide which will be best for me.

    Cheers

    Zymon

  9. #9
    DeskProto
    Cut3D
    V-Carve Pro (limited)
    Aspire
    CamBam
    Gerry
    ______________________________________________
    UCCNC 2022 Screenset

    Mach3 2010 Screenset

    JointCAM - CAM for Woodworking Joints

  10. #10
    Thanks for your feedack - Ger21

    Deskproto has Student licence with is good.

    Found this comparison of the above, which was good for me. https://www.cnczone.com/forums/uncat...mastercam.html


    Cheers,

    Zymon
    Last edited by zymon; 26-08-2018 at 05:09 PM.

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