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Attached are two files:

The .zip is the Excel file with the VB program.

The .txt file is the VB program alone. It has calls to the Excel sheets in it, but you can modify it to work as a...

I'll post the complete code, but here is what I did (speaking in VB).
-Open the file for random access
-Read in the first 80 characters as one string (the header)
-Create a binary string for the...

It may take a few hours to find the code, but I will post it ASAP.

Here is the description for the binary file:

"Binary STL files consist of a 80 byte header line that can be interpreted as a comment string. The following 4 bytes interpreted as a long integer...

Is there any way to use VB to download web pages?

Thanks,

Richard

Interesting. I was given a book (Lithophanes, by Carney), which shows some similar processes that predate the patent filing. One is a company founded in 2002, which sells the typical nightlight:
...

I cannot answer the Accutrans, but the STL, by nature is going to be a long file. I convert the DEM to greyscale, then machine from that.

I did this for a client/friend who want to get a stereolithography done.

I do lithopanes, and have written my own software to machine from bitmaps, so I have that covered (too).

Thanks,
...

The attached image is a lithopane stereolithography file I made, viewed with MeshLab, a great open source viewer.

I downloaded gmax, but have to work through the tutorials.

Meanwhile I programmed it myself (.bmp to .stl)

It was not too hard, but the file size is huge since the .stl file is made up of...

Are there any patents on the process of taking a greyscale image and using the pixel values to machine a lithopane?

Are there any freeware packages that can convert a greyscale bitmap to either DXF or STL? (The value of the pixel will be the third axis)

Thanks,

Richard

I decided to stick with using Excel -- it is a lot easier since there are already input boxes (the cells in the spreadsheet), and you can do the programs in VB to generate the G Code.

I am cutting lithopane, which is a 3D profile on a 3" square part. The cutting tool is either a .032" ball nose mill or a .125" V bit with a .010" flat on the end. I could go faster, but I have...

30,000 RPM and 15 in/minute. I use the same speeds and feeds with a ball nose end mill and it does not produce the remelt -- I imagine that's similar to what you get with a router: the bit has...

Corian uses an acrylic resin as a binder, and it can melt. There are several comments on the Vectric site about problems where the Corian does not look clean after you finish with a V shaped tool. ...

I have been trying to use a V shape tool for lithopanes, and have had on and off problems with remelt that was sometimes difficult to clean up. I found that I could rotate the bit in the collet, and...

FYI, here's the answer (Email message from Art):

Turn off the watchdog in config/general. If the CPU gets too bogged down
that error can occur, you may want to also turn off toolpath display if...

I was machining a large (30 meg) file, and everything stopped about 1/3 way through (approx. line 517,000). Reset light was flashing, and "Driver Watchdog Triggered" was indicated at the bottom.
...

I had an interesting thing happen. I have been using a 40 degree included angle engraving tool with a 0.010" flat on the end. I get better detail than my 0.032" ball, but a lot of remelt. The...

I know someone who wants to make lithopanes, and is looking for a machine to do them. He asked about a Roland EGX 300.

Does anyone know about using the Roland machines for this? (or have a...

Another way to get a even frame is to mill a rectangle around the main image, leaving .125" stock (or whatever frame width is desired) between the image and the groove.

I mill my grooves .150"...

I was contacted by someone inquiring about make a lithopane. He is looking for someone in the UK to discuss this with.

If anyone in the UK is interested, please send me a private message, and I...

I emailed Rotozip. None of their current models (the RZ's) have replaceable brushes. I believe I will go to another brand.

I tried that -- no response, but I ordered the set that was listed for another RotoZip. The RZ1's brushes are welded/soldered on, but I can splice them in if I can't get them off. All they need to...

Anyone know where you can order brushes for an RZ1?

rp74-

Thanks -- I found several ways to do it. In the end I decided that I would just stick with doing it in Excel.

I am thinking of usint TuskDirect V-Bearings and Rails. Looks like a reasonable price. Any have any experience with these?

I used 1/2" ACME, DumpsterCNC nuts, 1/2" ID bearings. Works fine.

I posted something similar in another forum, but programs like the above should be orgainized and listed in one place on cnczone. Maybe in the Utilities? The same place should accept "home-grown"...