3D Studio Max Files To CNC-ready File - How?

[Tom Burns]

Hello:

I am an experienced 3D artist learning cabinetmaking in college now and am trying to transfer my 3D skills into the area of CNC.

With 3D Studio Max, we build objects using polygon meshes and while I am told one can tranfer 3D Studio Max files to a CNC machine, I never found out exactly how this is done other than someone mentioning "exporting your file as a .DXF". I am sure there is much more to it than that, though.

Can someone please fill me in on what is involved in making a 3D mesh ready to be loaded onto a Thermwood (or any CNC) machine, please?

Thanks in advance and I hope I posted this question in the correct section.

Tom

[Daniel Odom]

You need a cam program capable of 3-d machining such as mastercam, artcam, vectric cut 3d , etc.

[Scott Marshburn]

Hi Tom
Unless your software has a post processor for your machine you can not generate the appropriate code to cut a 3d carving. You need a different program such as ARTcam or Master cam installed on your computer. Then you export the file from 3d Max as a dxf or a stl to that program and apply the appropriate tool paths etc. then save that file under a name and load it to your machine

[Tom Burns]

Ah, Thanks very much for your replies, Scott and Daniel.

I'll look those up (he said hoping one of those programs are free but braces for disappointment).

[Kerry Fullington]

Tom,

CNC Toolkit might be worth a look.

[Scott Marshburn]

wow Kerry you truly are the man I will have to check this out.

[Tom Burns]

wow Kerry you truly are the man I will have to check this out.

I concur!

I bookmarked it and will check it out thins weekend.

Thank you, Kerry!