I’m doing a CNC-milling from a Rhino-file. It’s going to be 2 pieces that both are 1800x1800 mm.
The original file is from a Sketchup-file and I’ve been trying to clean up the model the best I can.
Any tips on how to make this file suitable for CNC-milling? Or how to convert the file to one solid mesh? I’ve atteched my file below… Thanks!
rhino_skulptur_120_färdig.3dm (19.4 MB)
The details don’t have too be super specific. As long as you can se the overall shapes of the flowers etc 
That is still a very very vague tolerance or request for quality from a cnc. But first of all the vase or flowers will not be cnc-able (unless done piece by piece for later assembly with either part flips of a 4D-5D cnc $$$$… This is better suited for a 3D printer…
Just my 2 cents as a cnc hobbyist…
Uh you need to talk to whoever is making this about what they think they can do and what you want…
OK…with the kindest of intentions, here is some tough love…
this file is an absolute mess.
You will not finds anyone willing to put time towards this in this current state. If they do they will charge you a kings ransom to get anything decent. Or they will just take your money and run.
I highly recommend you go back into these parts, break them out in to individual pieces that can either be split in half and machined from the top down, and glued together later, or can be machined, then flipped to get the backsides.,
This is a very complicated part and even for an expert would require some significant work to get them in a state they could be machined with any chance of success.
run draft analysis on this and you will see an undercut bonaza that has to be dealt with.
I agree with others, make the parts watertight (they are not now) and 3d print them.
FWIW, If you don’t mind having straight sections where you have your undercuts you might not need to do anything with this file. Some Cam-software (If not all) can just combine all the geometry, even if it’s separate pieces, and ignore the undercuts when setting up the toolpaths.
I modelled and machined this piece a few years ago for an artist, having loads of non-combined separate objects with many undercuts:
this is a valid workflow IF your Cam software supports it.
many do not actually, especially older ones that small machine shops seem to run in far too many numbers.
that is a really cool piece! I’d love to see it and the story behind it in the gallery!
Thanks! There’s more images & info here:
Hi again,
Thank you all for inputs and tips. I actually managed to do a milling from the existing file and I’m super happy about the result!
Can you elaborate on the process a little? for anyone else looking to do something similar. Machine used, Material, any additional software in processing, etc
Sure! The machine used for the project was this one: 5 axis SCM cnc routers | CMS Antares for Sale in Georgia, Alabama
I used 18 mm MDF-boards which I glued together (5 x 18mm) creating to solid squares; 1200 x 1200 x 90 mm. The weight of one square was about 100 kg (220 lb).
I didn’t make any changes to the file that I uploaded here before going into the mill. I did end up using the 3 axis setting for the project since I was after that type of aestethic.
well done- you pulled off a magic trick!
