3D Design: Dynamic Rotary Relief Modelling

Carveco Maker Plus Tutorial: Rotary Relief Modeling

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to model and machine 3D reliefs on a rotary axis in Carveco Maker Plus. We'll use a rotary setup to create a detailed candelabra project.

🔹 Creating a New Rotary Model

• Go to File > New > Rotary Model.
• Set your stock diameter and length.
• Select rotary axis orientation (X or Y), units, and resolution.
• Click OK to create the model.
• Toggle between Flat View and Rotary View in the top-right corner.

🔹 Creating and Extruding Profiles

1. Draw two vertical lines for drive rails and a rectangle as your profile shape.
2. Keep the profile height under half the diameter to avoid material distortion.
3. Use the Extrude Tool to generate a rotary relief along the drive rails.
4. Check the updated model diameter—it will expand based on the extrusion.

🔹 Shaping the Relief

• Use Node Editing (press R to remove spans, I to insert nodes).
• Drag nodes to sculpt your rotary relief profile.
• Toggle sides with Use Other Side if your relief appears on the wrong side.

🔹 Adding Elements with Shape Editor

1. Draw a shape in flat view (e.g., a box).
2. Open Shape Editor and choose Plane with height (e.g., 0.1").
3. Wrap to rotary to view your added form.
4. Adjust relief heights interactively before applying.

🔹 Adding Text to Rotary Model

• Use the Text Tool to create text, position, and size it.
• Wrap text around the rotary axis.
• Use Shape Editor to add the text relief with height limits (e.g., 10/40 F).
• Be aware of distortion caused by diameter—final material setup will adjust this.

🔹 Using Clipart and Textures

1. Import clipart (e.g., grape clusters) and position them symmetrically on the model.
2. Use Mirror Copy and Add mode to place mirrored elements.
3. Import textures via Relief > Import or through the Bitmaps tab.
4. Use Create Relief from Bitmap and scale as needed (e.g., height 0.2").

🔹 Sculpting Reliefs

• Use Sculpting Tools to smooth or shape your relief.
• Adjust brush size and work directly on the wrapped rotary model.

🔹 Machining the Rotary Model

1. Go to Toolpaths > Create Machine Relief Toolpath.
2. Select a Finishing Tool (e.g., 1 mm ball nose).
3. Add a Roughing Tool if needed (e.g., 3/8").
4. Click Setup and set material thickness to half of your rotary diameter (e.g., 1" for a 2" diameter).
5. Ensure Z-Zero and Model Position are set to Top.
6. Click Calculate to generate toolpaths.

🔹 Simulating & Exporting

• Use Simulation to preview roughing and finishing results.
• Apply a material preview to see the final carved result.
• Click Save Toolpaths, choose your rotary post processor, and export.

Rotary relief modeling unlocks powerful dimensional design in Carveco Maker Plus. Careful planning, smart material setup, and toolpath simulation ensure accurate and beautiful rotary carvings.