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Z brush to cnc cad cam Questions

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I wanted to know if you take out a model into a cad cam program like mastercam,or delcam,etc.You import the stl file.

But when its inside the program you just dont go export to machine /TA DA ! do you?
It has to be converted to a line drawing or polylines or something similar?

Most modern cad cam programs import stl files.

Does a model have to machined in one part or does it have to be split up,so one half is done first then turned over and finished.

I wanted to do a test on a tooth its not got bad undercuts,and i have a mate who owns a 3 axis machine.
I wanted to download some trial versions for testing.
Any suggestions for something for a zbrush model
I saw a thread with mastercam instructions on z brush,but it was 2007,and things move on.
Also what would be the output type to go to his machine, .txt(universal code) or do the software s have a machine pull down menu for specific machines?
Thanks for looking
Dazzan

#2

Sorry the cnc machine Im hoping to use is called a HASS machining center.

thanks

#3

The Haas site has some very good info on on model requirements, tool path issues and other things:
http://www.haascnc.com/solutions_3D.asp#Summary

The Mastercam site also has some good info:
http://www.mastercam.com/Support/TechTips/converters/converters.htm

Mstercam will import STL and tons of other formats, not sure what the Haas software will be looking for, I’m sure if you ask they will tell you.
Hope that helps sorry I don’t have more for you.
good luck! :slight_smile:

#4

There is a fellow Zbrush artist that uses a machine to create Jewlery. Perhaps he could help you with your questions.

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/zbc/showthread.php?t=61205

#5

Thanks for the reply s i have checked out the jewellery thread and it does mention he uses a cnc software cad workflow for his machine.Ill pm him or shoot a mail.
Im going to test a polysphere as a .stl and a sphere made of nurbs and c if a demo cad software can give me a tool path,i feel im close and should not give up on this as the use of a cnc machine is given free!
Its creating a toolpath output I need to work on.
thankyou
dazz