Machining Vector Art 3D Models |
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Vector Art 3D models have been created specifically with the purpose of being cut on a CNC machine. The parts have been created at a standard size designed to provide a good finished product with a 1/8 inch or 3 mm diameter Ball Nose tool. Using your chosen software solution you can scale the size of the models up and down for different applications and pick a different tool size accordingly. In order to calculate the tool sizes when you scale the model apply the same scaling factor to the tool. For example, if you double the size of the part you can cut to the same level of detail with a ¼ inch or 6 mm Ball nosed cutter. If you half the size of the model then you would need a 1/16 inch or 1.5mm diameter tool to achieve the same level of detail. You can achieve a higher level of detail by increasing the size or depth of the part and staying with the smaller cutter for the finish machining.
You can choose to cut the models with any size and shape of tooling your software supports. No matter what tooling and toolpath strategy you use you should always use the preview mode (toolpath simulation) in your software to ensure you are happy with the detail and finish before cutting the part. If you are not sure about the right tooling and parameters for your machine when cutting 3D parts we recommend contacting your CNC machine manufacturer or discussing it with your tooling supplier.
By default Vector Art 3D - Style A (V3M and RLF) has the machining Zero position set to the XY centre and at the Z bottom of the part (on the plane) so the whole part is in the positive Z axis (STL has its XY zero in the lower left corner for all styles). Vector Art 3D - Styles B and C also have the XY Zero position in the centre (other than STL) but are recessed completely below the “zero plane” so the whole part is in the negative Z axis. You can typically edit this to suit your machine and application in your chosen CNC software. Styles B and C should always be cut with the top of the model level with the top of the material to avoid a ridge. The images below show the default positions on our 150mm (6 inch) models with a depth of 6mm (0.25 inch) but this is consistent throughout our parts and should be adjusted accordingly if required.
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| Style: A - Side View |
Style: B - Side View |
Style: C - Side View |
 Top View
We encourage you to download the free sample files to check the quality, format and compatibility of the models with your existing 3D software before purchasing models. If you do not have software which is capable of cutting 3D models then please take a look at Vector Art 3D Machinist which is our own easy to use FREE software solution for cutting our parts.
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Burdett, NY 14818
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