The Projection

Project 2D and 3D milling paths on to a 3D surface

The projection

Beispielbearbeitung: Sample machining: incised engraving on a shape – Die element: project engraving data onto STL surface

The  projection.

Precalculated 2D and 3D milling paths from one layer are projected onto a 3D surface using the  Projection. With this, incised and embossed engraving on shapes is possible. The engravings are possible on every 3D shape, relief, digitalised data etc. As projection surface all data employable with  Relief Module (photos, STL, digitalised data or relief) are suitable. The engraving path to be projected is created in CAD/CAM.

Suitable procedure.

1 Prepare a suitable projection basis (relief) in the Relief Module. For this you can load a relief, import data from STL, DXF, image or design a relief. Alternatively, you can also load a relief in the Relief projection using Open relief.
2 Prepare milling paths in a CAD layer, which is to be projected onto the relief surface. The milling paths require at least one tool (layer tool or tool(s) in the data).
3 Start Relief projection . Projection. The projected data are saved immediately in one layer.
4 Checked the projected milling paths using  Norm/Zoom projection. As required, you can repeat the projection and overwrite the data in the layer.
For the projection prepare the milling paths in one layer complete with all tools and select the function CAM . Projection. The milling data can consist of 2D and/or 3D milling paths and must possess a correct tool (layer tool or tool(s) in the data).

The functions for relief projection.

Open Relief: Load a relief from a file. With this, the data in the relief memory is overwritten. You can import or create various data formats in the relief module.
Projection: The prepared milling data are projected onto the current relief. For 2D graphic data the safety height and incised depth of the layer tool are displayed. The projected milling paths are stored in one layer. A layer is to be selected for this.
Norm projection: The projected cutter centre paths are displayed in perspective. The perspective angle can be set using the 8 direction buttons. By setting in plan view (all angles = 0) the 3D paths are shown in grey (colour) shades.

PosnA: Colour setting for the withdrawn movements (free movements).

PosnA = black: Free movements are marked in grey.
PosnA = greenish blue: Free movements are marked in greenish blue.
PosnA = red: Free movements are marked in red.
PosnA = grey: Perspective indication with height level marking. The paths lying above the entered levels are shown in black, the paths lying below the entered levels are shown in grey. Free movements are not marked.
OK: The graphic is created using the data set.
Esc: The function is aborted.
Zoom projection: Enlarged 3D view of the projected cutter centre paths (Zoom). This function is used following Norm Projection.
Help: Program help to this function.
Sample machining: incised engraving on a shape.

Relief projection for an incised engraving. Description for the production of a circular inscription in and projection of the engraving on to a 3D shape (imported STL file). 3D engraving/milling work ca. 30mm x 30mm, machining using 1 tool (graver).

Generate 2D graphic.

the data employed can be found in the file VertiefteGravur_081015.SLD. The file can be loaded using File . Open.

Using Layout . Limits set the graphic to X = 84.0 mm, Y = 84.0 mm, zero point centred.
Input auxiliary circles for the machining limits in Layer #1 .
Input the inscription in Layer #0 (e.g. as above).

Project the vector graphic onto the shape.

To project the vector data the following work steps are necessary:

  • Provide a relief as projection basis.
  • Project the vector data onto the relief using Project Vect. and [carry out]  graphic check using Norm/Zoom Projection.
  • Export the milling data (projected vector data) and save in the format of your milling machine.

Provide a relief as projection basis.

For the projection, a relief (shape) must have been loaded. You generate or load a relief using Relief File . Open or using Relief File . Import. If you wish to carry out modifications on the relief (filter, machining), this must take place before a projection.

Load the sample data Basisfläche.STL using Relief File . Import.
For the projection of vector data on to the shape select Projection.
View of the vector data (milling data).

After a projection, check your result using Norm/Zoom Projection.

Export milling data.

For the export of the milling data select File . Direct mill, the layer with milling data to be exported and the desired export filter.
Die element: project engraving data onto STL surface.

Generate a die element. The basis surface is supplied in STL  surface format.

  Generate basis relief.

1 Import STL shape using Relief . Relief File . Relief Import . STL. Settings/parameters as proposed by the program.
2 Rotate relief into machining position using Relief edit . mirror + rotate . rotate -90°.
3 Centre relief (zero centred) using Relief File . Adjust limits . Centre frame.

  Generate calculation limits.

1 Generate frame around the active relief area using  Edit Relief  . Edge of layer . ABSOLUTE and click-on black area (deepest point). Confirm input. The program generates a contour around the element.
2 Delete possible unnecessary elements from the frame generation in the CAD.
3 Displace contour slightly inwards (ca. 0.05mm) using operat . displace contour.

  Input engraving and calculate flat die.

1 Input text consistent with employment in the frame (see above) (comp. graphic).
2 Calculate die using CAM . Auto correction.
3 Adopt milling paths for the flat die using TLayer > target layer into a graphic layer.

  Project die (finish).

1 Using the Select ActLayer select the layer with milling paths as ActLayer.
2 Using CAM . Projections . Projection project the milling paths onto the shape. The paths should lie completely on the element.
3 Check milling paths using Projection . Norm/Zoom Projection.
4 Export milling paths using File . direct mill.

    Finished die element.