Ok, I have a OneFinity that I bought from a guy that was moving. I am very impressed, even though I am a noob. I have been converting svg files to nc via laserGRBL and cutting mini-sasquatches out of thin wood. I think I have that down.
Now I am ready to play with the router, but I am not sure how to get from .stl file to the format needed by the OneFinity.
Experience-wise, I have used various 3d printers and am familiar with slicing for them, but that doesn’t seem like the right path (pun intended) for this. Are there some other approaches within Cura/Creality slicer? Or is there other software what can produce CNC-ready gcode?
Sorry if this is addressed somewhere already or too basic. I’m kinda bumping around on this one.
Brian
The typical approach is to use a “CAM” software (computer aided manufacturing) to program the machines movement to cut things out. The CAM software will export the gcode the cnc machine will understand.
Software like Vectric, Fusion, and others are commonly used.
It’s generally more of a manual process than what your probably used to using a 3D printer, but that’s part of the fun!
Thanks for the info.
I am seeing a few options as far as software. I’m not big on paying $57/month for Fusion360, and Vcarve desktop would be the minimal that would work from Vectric. I am also looking at MeshCAM.
So far, it seems that I import the stl file, setup my material, tools, etc and then create the sets of tool paths (rough, then fine). Then I will export those tool paths as gcode and upload them to the Onefinity to run. Is that about right?
Is there a ‘best supported’ package that already has settings for the various Onefinity models? I didn’t see anything in MeshCAM and wouldn’t know what to set when adding a new one.
Yes, you have the steps correct.
I think Vcarve is the most widely used here in the community. It would likely offer the most support from others if you need it.
You may also need to know about a “Post Processor” or “Post”. The post is a file on your PC, that you select as part of your setup in Vectric, or any other CAM software. The post is required, and acts like a conversion software, and turns your toolpaths on screen, into the Gcode the machine can understand. I’m sure this forum has many posts you can search out and download that will be compatible with your CAM software, and machine model. Once you set it up the first time you kindof forget about it.
if your looking for a good beginner project to practice the workflow on, see the thread I posted a few weeks ago. I posted a free push-stick set of files you can import into your CAM software and try toolpaths.
Thanks for the info everyone.
I ended up discovering MillMage (new from LightBurn folks) and it works rather well. I know understand much of the nuance and how much manual bits I have to learn.
Also - if you can help it, don’t use STL files. They are not a true CAD solid file. STEP is a popular neutral file type. STL will leave the part with curves faces that are faceted.
Hello Brian, you may also look at Millmage
to reach out to a group that supports it (lightburn also)
I have asked them many questions and was pleased with the support