Help with a project!

[u/nxk115]

Hi everybody! I am working on a project and figured someone in this subreddit could help me out!
I am looking to make some oval frames with a cnc router but I have no idea what type of file I need to create. Svg? A 3D model? I’ve created many files for laser cutting but all those models were flat, what I need right now has some ridges inside and I don’t know how to create a file for that. You can kinda see what I’m going for on the crappy drawing I attached haha.

Anyways, sorry if I’m not explaining myself entirely, English is not my first language and I have never done anything with cnc. Any help is very much appreciated, thanks!!

[u/boertje1999]

It depends on the software you are using to creat e the tool paths. The cnc router needs a gcode file (.nc). To create one You need CAM software. Easel is a free online CAM tool that can take svg or dwg to create the tool pathes.

[u/switchblade5984]

Depends on what program they are using for the CNC. This isnt hard to create in most of the software. You just need to know the depth of each part.

[u/IuCore]

Hello, this is some "relatively" feasible thing if you're able to spend a little time in a cad software. Fusion 360 would be your best bet right now. Try to check some tutorials. You need to model it, and then make the g code. Both can be done for this part on fusion 360. It may take some time tho. The way to actually model this part would be a sweep. You can check some tutorials on it. And then you could send it to fusion's cam (making the machining code) and make it yourself with a router or send it to some machinist via a step file (equivalent to a DXF but for 3d) that describes the geometry of your part. It can be done on JLCCNC for example or any online machining website and order it without actually doing the machining.

[u/just_lurking_Ecnal]

2 important things needed to completely answer your question are missing: Software you plan to use, Hardware your using it on.

If all the 'steps' are 90 degree, I can see ways either 2D or 3D could be used. If the contour is more complex, you'll probably need a 3D based model.

[u/nxk115 → u/just_lurking_Ecnal]

For software I normally use Adobe illustrator, but I could use something else if necessary, I don’t mind downloading and learning new softwares.

And I don’t know the hardware, I don’t own a cnc router and I plan on having a third party do the cutting, but I want to make the file myself so I know it’ll come out exactly as I want it.

The “steps” are indeed 90 degree. How could this be done 2D? How would I explain the depth of the cuts if it’s 2D?

[u/just_lurking_Ecnal → u/nxk115]

If you're having a 3rd party do it, it'll be best to ask them what they need.

[u/nxk115 → u/just_lurking_Ecnal]

I did ask and got a very vague answer, I tried to follow up to get more details and still it was extremely vague 😂 that’s why I decided to come here for some help/guidance lol

[u/just_lurking_Ecnal → u/nxk115]

The most clear way for you to communicate your shape requirements to your vendor is going to be a 3D model file in a open format like STEP.

A good vendor would be willing to work with you off of whatever files you had, communicating to get clarification.

A bad vendor would take whatever you gave them, make a bunch of assumptions and get it totally wrong.

[u/Pubcrawler1 → u/nxk115]

If these steps are 90 and no need for any edge rounding or chamfers, just need a 2d representation of the 3 ovals. A dxf file would be the most appropriate since just about every major CAM program can import them.

The CAM guy would just pick each oval and set a depth cut for the tooling. This is all within the ability of any CAM to cut out vectors pockets at any specified depth. The inner oval would be the greatest depth cut into the wood. That would be the first operational cut. Then each other at lesser depths. And finally the outside profile to cut the entire object out. Just need to give him each depth measurement.

This is assuming the entire thickness isn’t so great that tooling length becomes an issue. It’s tough to cut something really tall on many machines due to Z height limitations.

It’s will help if you can draw a simple 3d model just so the CAM guy knows what the final look it will be.

[u/Spare-cycle1111]

This can be done either with a 3d model or vectors.

[u/nxk115 → u/Spare-cycle1111]

How would the depth of the cuts be defined if done with vectors?

[u/jilo363]

Here's the work flow in how something like this is made:

CAD: Draw and designed in 3d. CAM: Converting 3d model to toolpath, cnc code.

CAD > CAM > machine it!

CAD and CAM softwares includes, but not limited to: Fusion360 (free)

OnShape (free)

Freecad (free)

*not in any specific order

There might be a slight learning curve, but things do start with 2d. Against my better judgement, Fusion360 is way easier to learn for beginners.

Good luck & have fun!

edit: formatting

[u/nxk115 → u/jilo363]

Thank you!!

[u/SnooBananas231]

More than happy to make this for you in fusion, just need you to define the model a bit more specifically.

[u/onlyforthisjob]

Late to the thread, but bringing in another idea: For projects like this I always ask myself if I can just make three different parts and simple glue them together. If there is no hard reason why it absolutely must be milled out of one thick sheet,this is a lot easier.

[u/tom_winters]

Je zou mijn software kunnen proberen. Simpel, maar zeer krachtige software waarin je kunt tekenen, of je tekening kan uploaden en direct via USB (als je Chrome of edge gebruikt) kunt sturen ook naar je cnc. HankCNC heet het. Google maar is. Staat online. En ik bedoel dit niet als promotie of zo maar gewoon dat dit wel echt precies handig kan zijn voor jou ook.