Answered

Invert a model

Hi

I have made a model and would like to machine it into my material to make a negative.

In searching thru the edit tools I found a invert flyout arrow with the choice in the Z only. In looking thru the Help/ reference I could not find any explanation how to do this. How do I accomplish this. This is just a test for an idea I have when I do this full size  I will also need to slice my model because of the thickness would like some incite on that also. I can take a screenshot if that would be helpful

Thanks Bill

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  • Bill,

    I did a quick video demonstration for you. Unless you change the default layer combine mode from Merge High to Add, you'll never see the relief incised/in the negative. Hope this gets you going...still a bit clunky this AM...not enough coffee yet :)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8hJNoeubI0 

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  • I was wondering what you wanted, too many tools to go through, am glad Brady covered a few but here's one I think you're after.

    you want to put a flower, a butterfly, or maybe a transformer, a what ever just below the surface, in large the vector around model using the transform tool, hang onto the control key while enlarging and you will be able to keep the org. vector,

    using the shape editor set the tool to subtract, get the height of your model (mine here on this video is .22") highlight the larger vector in shape editor click a box that says to limit height, in the box provided set the height.

       hopefully this covers what you need.

     

          mike

    https://www.screencast.com/t/L39qVjMIble

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  • Mike,

    Nice technique - thanks for posting a vid on it.

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  • Hi

    First off I want to thank you both for time, I know I could probably use support for these questions but I hope others might benefit from your answers. Thou I don't see much of new users of the software on this forum. When I first purchased Artcam from Delcam they had a great forum which was was of the  factors for me going with there software, shortly after my purchase Autodesk came into the picture and I don't think I need say any more. I spend a fair amount of time on other forums and do appreciate that these answers take your valuable time. That said.

    I found I could invert two ways  on my own with the invert Z only and by using the cookie cutter and pasting in subtract mode, both worked but my model was below my material Z.

    What I want to do with this is machine in a two inch material to make a waste mold to pour cement this first one is just to get an idea of the amount of finish work I need to do to the interior of this molds to get a good casting. If it is reasonable I will increase my thickness to four inches as these would be balusters for some cement railings behind my house. To do a four inch I would need to slice the mold and attach after machining, That is another function I have not learned yet.

    I have attached a few screeen shots to give you an idea of the model I made

    Thanks again for your intrest

    Bill

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  • Interesting, Bill. For a split second I thought you were one of my customers after seeing the Monstera leaves in there...they seem to be popular these days for some reason. FYI, it is possible to add draft to the model if needed in a click or two - but you did mention it was a waste mold.

    I'm not sure how good the surface finish will be if going straight into foam...In my experience it needs to be sealed & vibrated a good bit - the foam sometimes locks into the aggregate...If using low density foam, acetone et al will burn away any bits left behind...HDU & you have to mechanically abrade them off.

    I'd like to see how this turns out if you go forward with it. 

    Slicing is pretty easy...enter material thickness, then elect to add it to the layer tree or save out the slices. In previous versions, if the relief was exactly the product of the material thickness - EG - 6.000 relief thickness with 2.000" material - there would be a 'ghost' layer created with nothing on it. I think they fixed this at some point...but watch out for it.

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  • Hi

    I know I have to do a bit of work on the interior, I had planed on painting it and using a release to try and keep the concrete from attaching, thought this would be more economical as I have made rubber molds in the past.  But for something this size it's a lot of work and expensive, plus I can tweak the design and not have a lot of repetition. I have done lots of Monstera leaves over the years as I am in Hawaii.

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  • Not sure if I understand your problem but if you want to bring your negative model back up into positive territory simply define a vector around the model and using the shape editor add the negative amount plus say an inch and you should be good to go.

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  • Thanks Barry

    will try that

    Bill

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  • Hi

    I am working on slicing my model, I added 1" of height to the existing for thickness. I would like to slice with 2" of the relief that has all the detail as one slice and the added thickness 1" as another slice.

    The total relief height is 2.89" when I use slice  and enter 2" to get one slice with all my front detail it defaults to slice the model in half, as a side note I am not inverting the model.

    Thanks Bill

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  • If you are working with multiple layers, merge the layers and then slice that single layer. If there isn't more than 2" of actual undulating relief, then the slice will appear flat with the profile of the part perimeter. 

    If I'm not understanding you...please post a screenshot of the original relief and the slices. 

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  • I think that is a good idea, I can probably just make a tool path for that layer

    Thanks Bill

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  • ". Unless you change the default layer combine mode from Merge High to Add, you'll never see the relief incised/in the negative."

     

    How do I do this in Maker?

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  • Hi Keith,

    Please watch the Inverting Reliefs video in the Carveco Fundamentals training course on our company website: https://carveco.com/support/training/

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