In this example we are going to use a bmp file of a fish to:
• Get the profiles of the fish to use for the embossing process
• Use the image of the fish for texture

During the layout process we are going to use the following features:
• Load Image
• Rectangle
• Change image origin
• Line join
• Ellipse
• Spline fitted
• Deform contour
• Add new layer
• Offset
• Quick trim
• Arc sketch
• Line continuous

Getting Started:

Step 1: Draw a rectangle 11” X 6”
Step 2: Draw a center line
Step 3: Draw an ellipse 9.95” X 5”
Step 4: Load Fish BMP
Step 5: Change the origin of the image to X: .95” Y: 1.25” Z: 0.0”

Click here to see video

Now we are going to trace the body and fins of the fish:

Step 6: Add a new layer and make it active
Step 7: Use a fit spline to trace around the body of the fish
Step 8: Add a new layer and make it active
Step 9: Use fit spline & line continuous to trace around the fins of the fish.

Click here to see video

Now we are going to trace the gills and eye of the fish:

Step 10: Create a new layer and make it active
Step 11: Use the fit spline to create the gills
Step 12: Use arc sketch to create the eye

Click here to see video

Congratulations you have completed all the wire fame layout for this part!

The steps we will be taking now is for the emboss model, we are going to use the wire frame we created to raise and lower areas of our emboss model

Step 1: Create/ Modify stock X:11” Y:6”
Step 2: Emboss convex ellipse subtract the ellipse
Step 3: Emboss convex ellipse add the fish body
Step 4: Emboss convex ellipse merge high the fins
Step 5: Emboss line subtract the gills
Step 6: Emboss convex art the eye

Note: If you see a red X in the BobART manager it means that you have not “regenerated” the emboss model. To do this you RT click on emboss model and LT click on regenerate.

Click here to see video

Let’s create our emboss model:

Step 7: Regenerate your emboss model
Step 8: Texture from Image
Step 9: Create a boundary for the image texture
Step 10: Smoothing

Click here to see video

Lithophane, Shadow box, photo carving, and embossing model creation are just some of the types of parts you can make with BobART. Using a color photo, you can create a 3D emboss model based on the “gray scale” the light and dark areas define the ups and downs of the model. Machining this model as a negative and back lighting it is how you create a lithophane.

You would think you would need a tight step over, but you really don’t. Take a look at the tool marks up close.

In this example I used wax, but corian is the choice material.

This video walks through the steps of creating and machining a lithophane using V25 Mill Standard and BobART:

BobCAD CAM V25 has an easy to use and understand CAD interface that will allow you to design your parts from beginning to end quickly. V25 will allow you to import DXF, IGES, STEP, SLDPRT and many other files from external CAD systems. You can verify geometry and edit your drawings on the fly by using a wide range of simple CAD features. Toolboxes have been added to make access to frequently used CAD functions easy and fast. Whether you import the CAD file or draw it in BobCAD, you have the ability to create inspection reports and part prints will full dimensions. Basic drawing tools include working with splines, creating arcs through points, drawing points, lines, arcs, bolt patters, gears, sprockets and roller cams to name a few. BobCAD offers a complete wire frame surface and solid model designing package. Viewing your parts, rotating 3D geometry and verifying all your part data has been made easy all the way down to bring able to choose the drawing colors or screen background of your choice.

Additional Features included:

Mirroring, Translate (move) and Rotating
Unlimited Undo/Redo, Cut, Copy & Past
Part Dimensioning
Multiple part viewing and rotation
Drawing with Points, Lines, Arc’s, Splines, Fillets & More
Complete Surfacing Tools
Complete Solid Tools
Verify Geometry, Trim Geometry, Layers and UCS

Milling:

BobCAD CAM is being used in a wide variety of shops for a wide variety of applications. This is due to the versatility of the program, customizable post processors, multiple cutting options and it’s ability to create fast accurate toolpaths and CNC code. Whether you’re doing 2D work or creating complex 3D parts programs, BobCAD-CAM allows you to generate accurate toolpath faster, smarter and easier for less money.

CAM Features Included:

Stock & CAM Wizard
CAM Job Tree
Multiple Machine Setups
Associative CAM
Tool Patterns & Machining Order Control
Tool Database, Cribbs, Arbors, Holders
Pre Defined Material Database
Speed & Feed Calculator
Save & Load Tool Path Setting

CAM Tool Paths Included:

2.5 Axis Drilling
2.5 Axis Profiling
2.5 Axis Pocketing
2.5 Axis Facing
2.5 Axis Chamfer
2.5 Axis Threading
2.5 & 3 Axis Engraving
2D & 3 Axis Plunge Roughing
3D Slice Planer
3D Slice Spiral
3D Engraving
3D Slice Radial
3D Z-Level Roughing
3D Z-Level Finishing

BobART Features:

Turn Picture directly into 3D Embossed Models
Raster to Vector Conversion
Embossing
Texturing
Mirroring
Lettering
2 Rails Sweep
Sculpting
Smoothing

Productivity Features:

In addition to the many CAD and CAM features found in BobCAD CAM we have also added features that can only be found on systems costing thousands more. Our simulation software will simulate actual machine movements based on tool length, diameter, arbor & holder. Standard reporting tools for operations, run time, feed and rapid move length and stock left over. Giving you a complete view of how your part will be machined and if any tool path features need to be added or adjusted. Giving even the most novice of user the confidence to complete their programming and move on to the next project. In addition we included RS-232 communication for transferring you cnc files to the machine controller.

Training & Support:

With technical support services from BobCAD-CAM, you’re never on your own. We’re committed to your success long after your system purchase. Our technical support experts will help ensure smooth operation of your BobCAD-CAM applications day in and day out. 45 days of technical support is included for all new customers and is renewable thereafter for an annual fee. Assistance is provided by product and technical specialists trained to use and operate BobCAD-CAM products in a technical environment. Support for hardware or software systems on which BobCAD-CAM applications reside at the customer site is not included. Although troubleshooting an application in some cases requires us to ask questions regarding your operating environments. BobCAD-CAM support technicians are not responsible for network, operating system or computer maintenance.

Question: How much do you think this software is worth to your shop?