MechMate CNC Router Forum

Go Back   MechMate CNC Router Forum > Computing, Software & Programming > Graphics & CAD
Register Options Profile Last 1 | 3 | 7 Days Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old Tue 28 July 2009, 06:02
smreish
Just call me: Sean - #5, 28, 58 and others
 
Orlando, Florida
United States of America
Copied from elsewhere:

Jack,
The specialty software you mentioned in the earlier post is mostly referred to as 4th axis software. Art at turningaround.org has links to some very neat wizards that let you do decorative carving on columns and such without the need for "other" CAM software other than the wizards. If you want to do high relief carving (like a statue or totumpole) then you will need other software on the 3d modeling and CAM engine side of the computer.

Popular choices are:
RhinoCAM with 4th axis module.
(requires Rhino modeling software and the CAM plug in)
ArtCam by Delcam
Carve3d by Vectric.
- there are others, but these I have used recently with success.

Each of these has a price point and features that show the burden of the cost.

Personal note:
(I use RhinoCAM for continuous rotary 4th axis tool pathing and have learned to use it...albeit a fairly steep learning curve)
For simple 4th axis like machining (rotation every 90 degrees's or 4 face machining) I use Carve3d.....really simple...really fast toolpathing....you can learn it in a day! (but it has it's limitations)

Mechanical
Adding a 4th axis is quite simple on the mechanical side.

Making or having made the 3d geometry on the software side requires a bit of talent - or money.


PS.
Many have added 4th axis modules and you can find good examples of what others are doing here on the MM forum and Shopbot forum.

I might add that a true rotary axis is not necessary for some high level 3d carving - just a taller gantry height for the part your cutting. Options, all can be achieved with the Mechmate with a little prior proper planning.

Good luck.
Sean
Reply With Quote
Reply

Register Options Profile Last 1 | 3 | 7 Days Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Driving an "indexer" , or a ("4th") rotary axis edrowell Driving Mechanisms: Rack/pinion, gears, screws, belts & chains 14 Sun 28 June 2015 16:41
Setting the Y-axis square to the X-axis Gerald_D 20. Gantry 10 Fri 12 October 2012 00:44
Mounting 4th axis rotating indexers or lathes under the gantry Gerald_D 10. Base Table 68 Tue 11 August 2009 12:18
What software do I need for 5-axis capability? joepardy Archives 7 Mon 05 November 2007 22:43


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:33.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.