Introduction to SurfCAM ETH Z（介绍SurfCAM ETH Z）.pdf

Introduction to SurfCAM Russell Loveridge: loveridge@arch.ethz.ch Introduction to SurfCAM The final quality of any milled piece is dependant on both a good quality CAD file, and a solid understanding of the milling techniques and processes that will be used in fabrication. SurfCAM is a software program used to translate digital geometry into milling tool-paths. The CAD file may be either a line drawing file (DWG, or DXF) or a NURBS surface file (IGES file from Maya). SurfCAM outputs the toolpaths as G- code for the milling machine. SurfCAM can also be used as a ”Design CAD” software, it has many features that are not typically used in the course. Students are highly encouraged to explore the tools available within the software, and to find new uses for them in our architectural and ornamental context. File preparation rules from MAYA: The easiest way to ensure that the model will be contained properly within your stock (block of material) is to ensure that the model is in the positive x, y and the negative z area. 1. Ensure that all work (to be cut INTO the piece) is either on or below the Z axis. 2. Ensure that you know where the origin is in relation to the work to be cut. 3. The mill and SurfCAM work with millimeters as the units. 4. Ensure that you know the scale and units of your work, or create a reference line. 5. If you work with NURBS surfaces and IGES export all will be good. 6. If you work with Polygons - expect to process the work again within SurfCAM The (0,0,0) origin coordinate in digital space will be your reference origin on the milling machine, with z=0 as the top of your material. File Preparation of Maya surface models for SurfCAM: Ensure that the file you have generated in MAYA has been done with the Z axis set to up. (the default is for Y to up – from the animation industry!) Ensure that the model is in the positive x, y and the negative z area. -