Re: CAM software with 2D relief capabilities

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Brad Eyben" <abeyben@t...>
wrote:

> Does anybody know of an affordable CAD/CAM package that will

produce a

> surface from a 2D contour which has a relief up or down.

It may be very helpful if you explain your question a little better.

In Cad-Cam a surface is usually defined as a non-flat construction.
A plane is used to define things like the flat sides of rectngular
shaped stock, the bottoms of pockets, and the flat areas surrounding
relieved letters and designs. These are usually cut with flat
bottomed cutters, either end mills or router bits.

A surface, which is non-flat is usually machined with a full radius
ball end mill or Cove bit. Sometimes a Bull nose is used, this
combines the flat end with radiused corners. In fine jewelry
machining a sharp angled bit is used to carve tiny details that it is
impractical to machine with a radiused cutter.

Simple pocketing with islands will create raised or inset letters and
complex shaped contours. Is this what you refer to when you use the
term relief? Pocketing with angled cutters will also create a 3D
appearing letter or contour.

Most of the inexpensive cad-cam systems will produce one or more of
these kinds of toolpaths. If you are more specific about what you
want to cut, a more precise recommendation can be made.

Fred Smith - IMService