Using Obj. and stl. files

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zymon

Hi,

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

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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

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 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.

Attachment 24711

Attachment 24712

Attachment 24713

Quote:

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Originally Posted by magicniner

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.

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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.

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.''

Quote:

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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.

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Yes, and there's no need to convert your mesh models.
There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ger21

There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.

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Assume one is MeshCam. Could you mention a few others as I need to decide which will be best for me.

Cheers

Zymon

DeskProto
Cut3D
V-Carve Pro (limited)
Aspire
CamBam

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