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3D modeling software wanted.
philf:
--- Quote from: AdeV on August 26, 2013, 09:46:52 AM ---
--- Quote from: philf on August 26, 2013, 04:20:43 AM ---
Having said all that I've still not got any decent 3D CAM software to go with it and will probably stick with 2.5D because of the amount of time true 3D machining takes.
--- End quote ---
I can highly recommend CamBam for 3D stuff.
--- End quote ---
Hi Ade,
I tried CamBam some time ago and uninstalled it. I can't remember why! I should have made some notes at the time.
I've just installed it again and it knows that I have used it before because it told me I had 37 (out of 40) evaluation sessions left.
I imported my STL file and the first problem I had was that I needed to swap X & Z axes over. I couldn't get my head round doing it in CamBam so went back to ViaCad and did it in that.
I tried generating some toolpaths and first off couldn't find the tool libraries to create a 3.5mm ball ended cutter. I did it in the properties section but thought there would be a library somewhere. [Edit - Just found it!]
I've now generated a waterline roughing toolpath but I can't find a way of looking at it properly as I can't find a way of getting a 3D view. I guess there must be some way (?) but it doesn't seem to be in the View menu which I would have expected. [Another Edit - I should have thought to look in the System Configuration menu where it tells me it's ALT + L mouse button!]
I had a trial version of MeshCam which was very intuitive - I produced working code without looking at (of for) a help file. Unfortunately, between me downloading the trial and deciding I should buy it the price more than doubled overnight - bugger.
I think I probably ditched CamBam last time because I struggled so much with it. I'll spend a few more hours on it but, up to now, I'm not too enamoured. Looking at some examples of work done with CamBam I guess it will do everything I want if only I have the patience.
P.S. (I've still got the big Abwood vice taking up space.)
Cheers.
Phil.
raynerd:
Phil. So are you using viacad currently?
philf:
--- Quote from: raynerd on August 27, 2013, 02:38:57 PM ---Phil. So are you using viacad currently?
--- End quote ---
Hi Chris,
If I want 3d I use ViaCad - 2d Autocad. Autocad's 3d (in my 2005 version) is cumbersome.
I think ViaCad 2d/3d was only £70ish so I didn't expect Solidworks photorealistic performance or functionality.
A few examples from ViaCad - you'll recognise some of the parts:
Phil.
raynerd:
For £70 you can`t complain at all getting 3d models like that - infact, you are tempting me to purchase as an early birthday present to myself :-)
I do indeed recognise the Parslow parts! Just curious, is it the correct cycloidal tooth form or an approximation of the form?
philf:
--- Quote from: raynerd on August 27, 2013, 08:26:08 PM ---I do indeed recognise the Parslow parts! Just curious, is it the correct cycloidal tooth form or an approximation of the form?
--- End quote ---
Chris,
The cycloidal form is based on the British Standard but isn't critical - particularly for the model which will never be used for machining - it was just an exercise.
The only real 3d machining I've done was for the loco wheel and I've still only done it in MDF because it would take forever in steel or CI. My current thoughts are that I'll turn the profile of the wheel (when the CNC lathe is working) and then cut out the spokes on the CNC mill. The spokes will then have sharp corners rather than fillets but I'd then be looking at perhaps an hour per wheel instead of 16 hours!
Phil.
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