CNC_Toolkit
Originally Posted by
davidsutton
I've built and used a 3 axis device for machining 3D cad surfaces.
I am considering building a 5 axis device .... I think I could end up with a machine that works but no affordable CAM software ...... In web searches I have found examples of home built 5 axis cnc cutting 3d splines and pockets but no 'surface machining'.
Have any other home builders found this dichotomy between access to 5 axis cnc machine and toolpath generation?
Hi there,
there is a tried and tested solution that could meet your requirements. The gmax/CNC_Toolkit software combination is acheiving this task daily and producing excellent output.
Surface Machining paths are easily acheived either by importing a 3 axis based surface path and re-mapping to 5 axis using CNC_Toolkit functions... and yes this does benefit from use of the rotary axes as it factors face normal orientation into the re-mapping.
Alternatively the toolkit can project a spline onto a surface, deforming the spline into the form required to carve it. For highly detailed surfaces this can take sometime. There are some alternative spline deformation methods, which, when applied to this kind of work, can speed it up considerably. This is a relatively new development.. but it does work and will be added to the 'Enhancements' section of the toolkit user guide in a future update.
Price is a consideration as with all things...
gmax, the CNC_Toolkit host software is FREE. Distributed via the turbosquid website. This software is by discreet/Autodesk, based on Autocad and 3D Studio Max. I has power and function for 2D and 3D work far beyond the demands of most CNC users.
CNC_Toolkit is a MAXScript plugin. It is also FREE for personal use and unlimited testing. A commecial license costs £100 GBP.
Does it work... ? Absolutely. Without a doubt, it's a brilliant piece of MAXScript programming.
I suggest a vist to the website in my sig and a download of the FREE version of the CNC_Toolkit user guide. If you browse the website tutorial page for chapters 11, 12 and 13 some clear examples of what the toolkit is capable of are presented, including toolpath re-mapping for use with 4 and 5 axes.. Follow the toolkit links on the "Essentials" page... you will see some interesting 5 axis work using the MAX/CNC_Toolkit combination.
Please note I have no affiliation to the toolkit itself. I do not own or distrubute it. I just think it's an option that many have missed out on in the past. I did author the toolkit user guide.. and I do distribute it, to promote wider use of gmax/CNC_Toolkit.
Hope this helps
Danny
What one man can do another man can do..
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