Blender CAM - Revision history

Meki: /* Basic setup */

2015-07-06T21:54:28Z

Basic setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 6 July 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	# configure "CAM Machine" settings		# configure "CAM Machine" settings
	## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)		## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)
	##* The accessible work area of the HackRVA machine is a little larger than 1m x 1m. Setting the Blender CAM limits to 1m x 1m will allow a comfortable ~5cm border on the workspace in which to place your material.		##* The accessible work area of the HackRVA machine is a little larger than 1m x 1m. Setting the Blender CAM limits to 1m x 1m will allow a comfortable ~5cm border on the workspace in which to place and adjust your material.
	##** left edge = 118 cm (46.5 in.)		##** left edge = 118 cm (46.5 in.)
	##** back edge = 112 cm (44.25 in.)		##** back edge = 112 cm (44.25 in.)

Meki: /* Basic setup */

2015-07-06T21:50:39Z

Basic setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 6 July 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	# configure "CAM Machine" settings		# configure "CAM Machine" settings
	## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)		## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)
	##* The accessible work area of the HackRVA machine is a little larger than 1m x 1m:		##* The accessible work area of the HackRVA machine is a little larger than 1m x 1m. Setting the Blender CAM limits to 1m x 1m will allow a comfortable ~5cm border on the workspace in which to place your material.
	##** left edge = 118 cm (46.5 in.)		##** left edge = 118 cm (46.5 in.)
	##** back edge = 112 cm (44.25 in.)		##** back edge = 112 cm (44.25 in.)

Meki: /* Basic setup */

2015-07-06T21:36:08Z

Basic setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 6 July 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	# configure "CAM Machine" settings		# configure "CAM Machine" settings
	## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)		## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)
	##* The ~~actual~~ work area on the HackRVA machine is ~~slightly~~ larger than 1m x 1m		##* The accessible work area of the HackRVA machine is a little larger than 1m x 1m:
			##** left edge = 118 cm (46.5 in.)
			##** back edge = 112 cm (44.25 in.)
			##** right edge = 117 cm (46.25 in.)
			##** front edge = 114 cm (44.75 in.)
	##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber		##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber
	##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.		##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.

Meki: /* Basic setup */

2015-06-28T23:51:18Z

Basic setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:51, 28 June 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	# configure "CAM Machine" settings		# configure "CAM Machine" settings
	## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)		## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)
	##* The actual work area is ~~a little more~~ than 1m x 1m		##* The actual work area on the HackRVA machine is slightly larger than 1m x 1m
	##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber		##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber
	##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.		##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.

Meki: /* To generate a path with a custom tool */

2015-06-28T23:18:44Z

To generate a path with a custom tool

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 28 June 2015
Line 33:		Line 33:
	To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":		To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":
	# Build a mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool		# Build a mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool
	#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the ~~modem~~ are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAB] to exit Edit Mode.		#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the model are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAB] to exit Edit Mode.
	#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes		#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes
	#* some orientations of the tool object can cause path creation failure		#* some orientations of the tool object can cause path creation failure

Meki: /* To generate a path with a custom tool */

2015-06-27T21:57:07Z

To generate a path with a custom tool

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 27 June 2015
Line 33:		Line 33:
	To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":		To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":
	# Build a mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool		# Build a mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool
	#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the modem are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [~~TAP~~] to exit Edit Mode.		#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the modem are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAB] to exit Edit Mode.
	#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes		#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes
	#* some orientations of the tool object can cause path creation failure		#* some orientations of the tool object can cause path creation failure

Meki: /* To generate a path with a custom tool */

2015-06-27T21:56:48Z

To generate a path with a custom tool

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 27 June 2015
Line 32:		Line 32:
	==To generate a path with a custom tool==		==To generate a path with a custom tool==
	To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":		To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":
	# Build a ~~1:1 scale~~ mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool		# Build a mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool
	#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the modem are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAP] to exit Edit Mode.		#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the modem are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAP] to exit Edit Mode.
	#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes		#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes
Line 39:		Line 39:
	#** To simulate a spinning tool, build the object from a cylinder, extrude one end of the cylinder and change the extruded vertices' radius.		#** To simulate a spinning tool, build the object from a cylinder, extrude one end of the cylinder and change the extruded vertices' radius.
	#** possibly interesting cutting effects can be achieved by modeling a standard tool, and distorting the cutting surfaces.		#** possibly interesting cutting effects can be achieved by modeling a standard tool, and distorting the cutting surfaces.
	# ~~In the~~ "CAM ~~optimization~~" section~~, check~~ "Use exact mode"		# Set "Cutter diameter" in "CAM Cutter" section
	~~(more detail soon, saving now due~~ to ~~lightning...)~~		# Enabling "Use exact mode" in the "CAM optimization" section might be a way to avoid failing path generation?

	==To simulate an operation==		==To simulate an operation==

Meki: /* To generate a path with a custom tool */

2015-06-27T19:40:53Z

To generate a path with a custom tool

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 27 June 2015
Line 40:		Line 40:
	#** possibly interesting cutting effects can be achieved by modeling a standard tool, and distorting the cutting surfaces.		#** possibly interesting cutting effects can be achieved by modeling a standard tool, and distorting the cutting surfaces.
	# In the "CAM optimization" section, check "Use exact mode"		# In the "CAM optimization" section, check "Use exact mode"
			(more detail soon, saving now due to lightning...)

	==To simulate an operation==		==To simulate an operation==
	# run "Calculate Path", so the operation appears in the Outliner panel (it will be named "cam_path_***")		# run "Calculate Path", so the operation appears in the Outliner panel (it will be named "cam_path_***")

Meki at 19:39, 27 June 2015

2015-06-27T19:39:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 27 June 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	# configure "CAM Machine" settings		# configure "CAM Machine" settings
	## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)		## set machine limits correctly, or conservatively (smaller work area, slower feed rate, etc)
	##* The actual work area is a little more than ~~100cm~~ x ~~100cm~~		##* The actual work area is a little more than 1m x 1m
	##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber		##* The machine "rapid" feed can do 4 meters per minute when not cutting, but a cutting feed should be more like 1 or 2 meters per minute, with a material like pine or fir lumber
	##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.		##* The DeWalt router spindle RPM ranges from 8,000 (at "1" on the dial) to 23,000 (at 6 on the dial), with 3,000 RPM difference between each number.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	If your model is larger than CAM machine "work area" (e.g., if you'll be routing out the full model in two or more stages), select "Ambient: All" in "CAM operation area" section, to have BlenderCAM ignore the extra model. Otherwise you may get a complete failure to generate a cutting path, or simulating the operation can fail.		If your model is larger than CAM machine "work area" (e.g., if you'll be routing out the full model in two or more stages), select "Ambient: All" in "CAM operation area" section, to have BlenderCAM ignore the extra model. Otherwise you may get a complete failure to generate a cutting path, or simulating the operation can fail.

			==To generate a path with a custom tool==
			To generate a cutting path for a tool that isn't "ball", "end" or "chamfer":
			# Build a 1:1 scale mesh object that represents the ''cutting shape'' of the custom tool
			#* once the model is built, reset the model's rotation (ALT-R) (and possibly scale ([ALT-S])and position ([ALT-G])...), then enter Edit Mode ([TAB]), and make sure all points of the modem are above the object's origin. You can also restore any desired scale, rotation and position while in Edit Mode. Then tap [TAP] to exit Edit Mode.
			#* There may be a very low limit to the number of faces that the cutting tool can use, resulting in a path with no Z-position changes
			#* some orientations of the tool object can cause path creation failure
			#* Blender Cam doesn't spin the custom tool object
			#** To simulate a spinning tool, build the object from a cylinder, extrude one end of the cylinder and change the extruded vertices' radius.
			#** possibly interesting cutting effects can be achieved by modeling a standard tool, and distorting the cutting surfaces.
			# In the "CAM optimization" section, check "Use exact mode"
	==To simulate an operation==		==To simulate an operation==
	# run "Calculate Path", so the operation appears in the Outliner panel (it will be named "cam_path_***")		# run "Calculate Path", so the operation appears in the Outliner panel (it will be named "cam_path_***")

Meki: /* To make a CAM chain */

2015-06-25T01:57:38Z

To make a CAM chain

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 24 June 2015
Line 40:		Line 40:
	# define each operation, and run "Calculate Path" for each, so they appear as "cam_path_*" in the outliner		# define each operation, and run "Calculate Path" for each, so they appear as "cam_path_*" in the outliner
	#* if you will want to simulate the CAM chain, make sure to set "Simulation sampling raster data" to the same value in all operations, e.g. "0.5mm", before running "Calculate Path". Otherwise the various operations will appear at different scales on the generated displacement image.		#* if you will want to simulate the CAM chain, make sure to set "Simulation sampling raster data" to the same value in all operations, e.g. "0.5mm", before running "Calculate Path". Otherwise the various operations will appear at different scales on the generated displacement image.
	#* also if you want to simulate the CAM chain, make sure that all operations have the same "CAM Material size and position" settings~~, and that any~~		#* also if you want to simulate the CAM chain, make sure that all operations have the same "CAM Material size and position" settings.
	# add a new CAM chain (click the "+" button to the right of the upper selection box(?))		# add a new CAM chain (click the "+" button to the right of the upper selection box(?))
	# set Chain Name and File Name		# set Chain Name and File Name