CNC brass engraving from an stl file

[phill05]

You might like to take a look at this program for converting STL to IGES http://www.okino.com/conv/conv.htm

Phill

[Statstastic]

Hi Mr Marino,
Thanks for taking the time to look at the numbers, that's a lot of hours! I'm happy to have a relatively large stepover - and accept the loss of finish - if it makes the machining time doable. Jonathan - who is also looking at the file - has very kindly offered to do a small test piece based on a 0.1mm stepover to see what it looks like. I can't wait to see it!
The French company sounds promising, do let me know if you find their details. In the meantime I'll have a look at the weekend at the program Phil suggests (thank you Phil!) and will post any news...

[Jonathan]

The program I use suggested under 10 hours cutting time, but I tend to treat it's estimates with a pinch of salt. Most programs do not ask for an acceleration value when calculating the machining time, so either they ignore acceleration or use a typical value. For detailed 3D work like this the acceleration will make a huge difference to the feedrate, in addition to chances of the tool breaking.

I'll probably try various stepovers and see what it looks like. I'm not too bothered about the cutting time as it's not like I have to stand and watch it, but if it fits in a day that would be nice.

(2000th post, yikes!)

[JAZZCNC]

I'll probably try various stepovers and see what it looks like. I'm not too bothered about the cutting time as it's not like I have to stand and watch it, but if it fits in a day that would be nice.

It's the thought of tool breakage and starting over again that curdles my noodle so caution is the only way and this add's time.??
Think You'll be lucky to do even the small ones under 12hrs and do them enough justice to be worth while.!

[Statstastic]

Congratulations Jonathan!

I've had a fresh look at DMLS since a couple of people suggested it. Unfortunately a big drawback is the surface finish, which appears to be similar to 240 grit. That's fine for larger items where polishing is an option, but not so for detailed work.
Prices are still very high... an eye watering quote to do a 1inch sample has just confirmed that!

[pistolknight]

I love a challenge and machine time is not a concern - water cooled spindle has run for 4 days constant in the past. Send me a sample file and i'll get back to you asap. will pm my email address