have a large 3d model need to divide into quadrants and layers total model thickness 21.5” need to machine in 7-8” layers and width is 96” and height is 120” cnc table is only 84x144 how do i do this? is there anyone that will do a screen share and help walk me threw the steps or do it for a fee?
There are forum users all over the world, so a screen share might not not be convenient based on time zone difference.
If you can provide the model and also indicate the sheet length and width dimensions (if its less than 96” x 120”) someone might be able to do a tutorial video or screenshots.
Well, not having seen the model… I would probably start by slicing it horizontally by the layer thickness you can handle, I guess in 3 or 4 parts. The upper parts are lilely to be smaller than the bed of the machine. When you get down to where the parts are bigger than the machine bed, I guess I would cut the thing in half widthwise into two 5’ x 8’ sections. You will probably need to add some way to index the upper parts to the lower ones - alignment marks, pins, etc. All that just off the top of my head, impossible to say without a model and knowing what your programming/machining skills level is.
With that shape its a lot more complicated, especially if you don’t have a 5 axis machine.
Then you’ll have to break it up depending on the chunks that your machine can access. If you only have a 3 axis machine you may have to cut a lot of it as a stepped model due to undercuts.
A stepped result would need a lot of hand finishing.
Yeah, I was assuming something like a terrain model at that size, not an amorphous shape. That’s going to be quite complicated to do with a 3-axis setup.
First, as stated above, it is unlikely that you will find simple horizontal planar sections that will allow complete machining without undercuts on a 3-axis machine. So the first thing is to probably divide the model vertically as well as horizontally into a number of smaller parts that can be fully machined with a 3-axis machine (positive draft) and also respect your height/cutter length limitiation. Rhino’s draft angle analysis might help there.
You didn’t specify the end use for this object, nor the proposed material. I would guess this is going to be machined from some sort of foam, as anything else would be monstrously heavy…