Hello

I have a cnc 3D router, that has a 1.0" maximum depth of cut, and was wondering if I take a 3D model created in MOI, slice it up (using something like solid/curve Booleans - line segments) and then export segments to .stl file. My CNC designer software can read .stl files. I would like to then cut the slices (in wood) and then re-assemble.

Is this possible and what tools could be used to perform this operation?

I am just starting to get up to speed on MOI.

Thanks

Joe

That sounds like a plan. I think there is someone here in this forum that said they were doing the same thing! Sounds like you know the way to dice it up, what part of the process did you have a question about?

Thanks BurrMan,

Just wondering if I was on the right track or if there was an easier way.

Thanks

Joe

You could probably machine something fairly large this way! The limitation for the height value is now the table xy dimensions! Cutting up a 3d model will have the perimeter edges with varying angles. This would require a 3d toolpath and increase production time dramtically. If the model needed to be "Exact", this would have to be the case. If the model was more "arbitrary". then you could just do a "Profile cut" on the extracted edges of the diced up model (significantly shorter cut times) and then when you assemble them, do a bit of "Grinding" to blend all the sharp edges together into a smooth shape. Could probably get some coo results with this method too.

Good luck

Thanks BurrMan

Joe

Hi Joe, yup slicing things up can be an effective way to handle things.

Here's an example where someone used that same method to produce a part for a custom built mini-BAJA vehicle:

http://pacosarea.blogspot.com/2007/04/cegep-de-drummundville-mini-baja.html


> what tools could be used to perform this operation?

Just make sure your initial shape is a closed solid, then draw some line segments in the Front or Right side views for where you want the cuts, and then use Boolean difference to cut the solid with the lines.

If you want to get a batch of evenly spaced lines you can also draw just one line in, and then use Transform / Array / Dir to replicate the line along a certain direction and control the spacing.

- Michael

Thanks Michael for the quick response.

Joe