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3D Modelling Software
Is there an “off the shelf” software package available that can create 3D models from side, front and end elevations of (for example) vehicle outlines?
I want to be able to convert files consisting of vector drawn artwork showing the side view, top view and end views of an object into a 3 dimensional computer model of the object. The intention then is to send this computer model to a CNC router to produce an actual real life carving of the object?
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7 Replies
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not sure how it all works but graphtec offer a 3 dimensional printer/model maker. hope i am getting that correct ill have to check… 😕
type 3 is a 3d routing software, as is artcam and a few others.
crazy prices for the software, not sure but one quoted me 12 grand for the software alone. ide expect you could sub it to firms with the software as there are many that have it. -
i know what you mean… you are looking for a way of showing a van with a wrap on it, so a customer can look at all angles.
Reminds me of those garden/home building programs wher you could design your house and preview in 3D.
I think the complexities involved make this a bit impractical. 3D software does require significant time to learn, I have tried and really requiries someone who is dedicated to learn it. I don’t reconmend the route you are thinking. A few of the 3D programs that I have used only support mapping TIF’s and no illustrator importing.
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http://www.artcam.com
http://www.rhino3d.comAbove sites will offer details of this type of softwar primarly for CNC routers. Each package is about 5-6K each but also requires massive amount of training which will cost the same again.
Another option from pacer systems is a digitser whichtraces round a 3D objedct and craeates a file to reproduce the identical itemshey can be found at http://www.pacersys.co.uk
We have a 3M by 2M CNC router but we cant justify te above
Regards Adrian
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You are asking for something that cant be achieved. All a 3 axis 3d router can do is basically 2 1/2 d. For example , all you could prodce form a model model would be the top view of the vehicle. You cant do undercuts and sides.
There are many solids programs that can allow you to work in true 3d space with graphics and actually model the van etc and allow you to rotate it and so on , all are complex and if you want realism , will take forever to program and some serious computing power to execute.
You need 4 and 5 axis machines to make these as a full 3d object.
For reliefs on a 3d cnc router , nothing much beats artcam, price is steep , the learning curve isnt that bad.
For 3d cnc Milling , mastercam is hard to beat , same sort of pricing as Artcam (Outrageous)For small stuff in waxes etc Roland, Isel and many others produce some small 4 axis moddlers with reasonable software and laser scanners
You could go and get yourself a Haas with a 4th axis for bigger stuff in metals.
You could also design fully in 3d and then use a Stereo lithography machine to build the model in full 3d – SL is a process where the model is sliced and a UV source or a laser cures something like a resin or fuses a sintered metal in those slices , like it hardens one slice , drops it a little and hardens the next slice on top of it. Big bucks too!!2 1/2 on a cnc router really requires a tool change type of router and can take huge amounts of time if doing large areas of “carving” requiring very smooth curves. Smooth curves require many stepovers (overlapping paths) with very fine bits. We did a cameo type pic in 8mm clear acrylic , 5mm depth total round 5″ x 5″ and it took 23 hours to do. Granted the curves were perfect , but that was one heck of a long time.
The problem is manifold with 3d type work , you actually have to know tons about tools , materials and strategies in milling/machining and then still be a Puter boff to program and design it.
If you arent au fait with all this it can take a LONG time to learn , even if you are au fait with the software. -
rodney, mastercam… thats the one the guy was quoting me on. £12 for the modual i was asking about but i think it went upto about £20grand no wonder he was keen when i called. 😕 the brochoure and some of the stuff he told me it could do was amazing though, i must admit. still £20 grand for software only wasnt even being considered :lol1:
the 3D printer i was on about was from graphtec, i knew i had a pdf on it from a while back. anyway, dug it out there and ive attached for anyone that cares to take a look. personaly i think its pretty amazing but havent really read right into it.
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Yeh , those and a few others like it are Sort of like Stereo lithography machines in that they build layer on layer. I didnt know “cheap” ones exist , would be great for spin casting etc if they have any precision and do stuff smoth.
Thanks for the info!!! -
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Rob – The XD700 3D Printer sounds to be a very interesting machine which raises a lot of interesting possibilities. I recall watching a TV program about a planned mission to Mars. Instead of carrying spare parts, the plan was to manufacture everything needed aboard the spacecraft. If anything broke down, mission control would radio up the data model for the part required and the astronauts would produce it on board. I thought this was a bit far fetched but seemingly this technology already exists.
I don’t think they can do pies beans and chips yet though :lol1:
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