This decision is applied directly by stl2gcode algorithms and also indirectly as a function of tool selection. Tool path creation-time and run-time typically increase with precision so the minimum acceptable precision is often used. Precision requirements and trade-offs with performance should also be understood and decided upon. Precision, Performance and Tool Selection As the STL file defines regions that make up the part and should therefore not be removed by the cutting tool, the scaffolding object defines additional regions that should not be removed. Tab geometry is given in the form of an additional STL file referred to as scaffolding. The stock is gripped using lateral wedges and the part is kept secured in the stock with tabs that are manually cut away after machining is finished. The RPI mount includes flipping the stock in order to cut from the top and bottom.

The first step to generating tool paths is to understand how you will grip the stock and free the part. The mount design was created in Design Spark Mechanical by intersecting a model of the foam with models of the other components including the case. All of these features make it a good candidate for showing the capabilities of this approach. The mount was chosen because it has non-trivial features in z, undercut features that require cutting from the top and bottom and features that cannot be reached at all. It is created from 1' rigid foam and secures a raspberry pi, battery and power supply in a $10 case. Raspberry Pi Mount ExampleĪ Raspberry Pi (RPI) mount is used to describe this approach. This instructable describes an approach used to arrive at g-code from STL files automatically, which often addresses these issues and enables users to achieve the full potential of their vertical milling machines. This process is error prone, tedious and often results in the following two unfortunate outcomes: designs with few complexities in the z-dimension and a reluctance to change designs once g-code is created and validated. Many mouse clicks are often required to get from STL files or other CAD output to g-code. Several light duty bench top vertical milling machines have reached the market in the past few years but some CAM software fails to deliver their full potential. It is often possible to arrive at sophisticated designs using only a vertical milling machine with straight end mills. Potential of Vertical Milling Machines with Straight End Mills

Stl to .gcode converter online