Import 3D into ShopWizard?

[wojocad]

I'm thinking of buying a ShopBot. I know the 3D Cad end of designing parts in either AutoCAD or Rhino. Can I import 3D files like STL into Part Wizard and create toolpaths, or will I need to convert all my 3D stuff back into 2D and assign tooling operations to regions?

[billp]

Steven,
For 3D work you'll need MillWizard, not Part Wizard, it handles 3DS,3D DXF, and STL files...

[wojocad]

I'm interested in having a few 3D cad files converted into ShopBot toolpaths via MillWizard without buying the program (since I'm just borrowing the use of a ShopBot at the moment). I'll trade some 3D cad or cad rendering services... Interested?

[supertigre]

If you need a few files converted to .PRT files why does it have to be done via MillWizard??? There are a more than a few CAM programs that can create .PRT files.

[kfitz]

There is one, called FreeMill, that is better than or equal to MillWizard:

http://www.cncportal.com/downloadfree.htm

[wojocad]

I tried a demo version of Desk Proto Lite that saves for ShopBot and the toolpath it created took forever to run... nearly three hours for a 5" diameter x 2" tall part. I've got no experience at this but I've heard MillWizard works well. Can you recommend another software?

[wojocad]

Kevin, does your FreeMill save in ShopBot post-processor format? The one I have doesn't (unless there's a compatible post-processor by another name in the list).

[zeykr]

Steve look here for shopbot post: http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Downloads/posts.shtml

[paco]

Steve,

all 3D CAM will/can produce long lasting toolpath depending on the settings used (stepover and stepdown mostly)... get familiar with all the options first.

May I suggest to have a look at MeshCAM (http://www.robgrz.com/meshcam.phtml) if you're still looking for a 3D CAM light package; it offer good versatility and low license fee along with a user forum.