Thread: "Scanning - Images To CNC programing?"

Generally, if your drawing tablet can output an Adobe Illustrator format file, you can find a CAD program that will open it.

Depending on what you want to do with an image, there is software that will take an image and create toolpaths; there's also software that will let you create a 3D model from a series of photographs.


http://www.vectric.com/products/lear...-software.html
http://www.123dapp.com/catch

DXF halftone2.1 http://www.students.tut.fi/~syvajar3/index_en.html , will cut dots that form an image

123D Catch http://www.123dapp.com/catch will let you up load a heap of images and will send back a 3d model

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

Generally, if your drawing tablet can output an Adobe Illustrator format file, you can find a CAD program that will open it.

Depending on what you want to do with an image, there is software that will take an image and create toolpaths; there's also software that will let you create a 3D model from a series of photographs.


http://www.vectric.com/products/lear...-software.html
http://www.123dapp.com/catch

I like the looks of Vectric Cut2D and still reading up on info. I can remember reading something some years ago about CNC program being able to "Ramp" the tool. Like the name suggests 'ramp' - small gradient down or up? Had a certain advantage?
No doubt a learning curve for terms and then application.

Auto Desk looks very good too although Im not sure my primary thought is 3D. Can see why a user may want to "Stretch" there use of their own CNC machine

Thanks


Thanks

Look at http://www.artcam.com/express/index.asp

No association etc.

Originally Posted by SawDustSniffer

DXF halftone2.1 http://www.students.tut.fi/~syvajar3/index_en.html , will cut dots that form an image

123D Catch http://www.123dapp.com/catch will let you up load a heap of images and will send back a 3d model

Ahaa - also a very find thanks.

Originally Posted by DavidG

Look at http://www.artcam.com/express/index.asp

No association etc.

Wow, beautiful site and "taster projects" - something to explore further. Thanks.

Ramping generally refers to the way a bit is introduced into the work to reduce machine and tool loads.

What sort of things do you want to CNC?

Sorry to Hijack has any here heard of X Carve cnc system they have online software free to use. Has anyone used this system.
Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by RecyclingKiwi

Hi Everyone

Since looking at CNC programing I'm trying to find out if I can either Scan an image into a CNC program and then manipulate it etc or load an image into a program that can then export to a CNC program.

Can anyone advise what is available or is it possible? What about a Drawing Tablet hooked up?

TIA

as far as I know, CNC programs need a vector file from which then can compute teh tool path.

my drawing program of choice is Corel Draw

I can load a scanned image (which is a bit map), and then have the program TRACE it into a vector file.
Depending on the trace settings, the vector file may or may not need cleaning up.
The vector file can then be exported in a format recognised by most industry standard drawing packages.

Adobe Illustrator will have a similar command.

Originally Posted by ian

as far as I know, CNC programs need a vector file from which then can compute teh tool path.

my drawing program of choice is Corel Draw

I can load a scanned image (which is a bit map), and then have the program TRACE it into a vector file.
Depending on the trace settings, the vector file may or may not need cleaning up.
The vector file can then be exported in a format recognised by most industry standard drawing packages.

Adobe Illustrator will have a similar command.

Inkscape which is free and open soirce will do the same.
As well.

There are many programs that can manipulate and or create a 3d stl file,

An stl file is basically made up from individual points floating in the air x/y/z. These points grouped make up a 3d image

There are also tablets that will allow you to trace an image into a vector file,

I have a 3d laser scanner, so it can scan the item and create a point cloud system of the item and output it as an stl.

Steve

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

...What sort of things do you want to CNC?

Thanks - thought it was to reduce load too.

Im wanting to design my own range of scroll design work and similar but larger panels that could be for inside /outside decorative, eg from wall to privacy/fence sections. I suppose its just basic 2D work at this stage. I've also seen some great ideas for CNC on acrylic sheets.

Thanks.

Vectric's Cut 2D or Vcarve would suit that sort of work (Cut 2D for 'this is what a scroll saw does" and Vcarve for 'this is what a router does') - I suggest you download their trial package and have a play. (from memory they let you simulate the toolpath so you can watch your design being virtually cut).

After that, you'd need to look at a large bed CNC machine...there are plenty of $2-4k DIY options if you don't want to spend $20k+ on a commercial one.

Originally Posted by ian

as far as I know, CNC programs need a vector file from which then can compute teh tool path.

my drawing program of choice is Corel Draw

I can load a scanned image (which is a bit map), and then have the program TRACE it into a vector file.
Depending on the trace settings, the vector file may or may not need cleaning up.
The vector file can then be exported in a format recognised by most industry standard drawing packages.

Adobe Illustrator will have a similar command.

Thanks Ian

Ive used CD many years ago when I was a MSWindows user and may have to revert just for CNC work, Thanks for the reminder of CD's tech abilty.