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| Fundamentals
relating to work with 2D shapes and 'splines' or vectors.
A detailed consideration of the gmax
tools to create and edit
shapes under almost any conceivable set of circumstances. Means of applying shapes to generation of 2D content and 3D geometry is detailed. The aim of this work is to quickly demonstrate use of shapes in a wide range of tasks. Working with 2D vectors is one of the most powerful features of gmax. The examples serve to illustrate the results of simple, quick to learn techniques, that can be immediately applied to real work. |
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| Task
01: Shape
creation and editing techniques. Use of outlines, ttf
fonts as vectors, creation of single linefonts.
Imported 2D .DXF source is covered, spline modifiers are demonstrated. A useful walkthrough the GUI and 2D tools. |
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02: Creation
of 2.5D models based on 2D layouts. Means to make
countersunk or counterbored holes for fasteners is also demonstrated.
Alignment using helper objects such as tapes and protractors is covered. Basics of 'lofting' using 'instanced' shapes and paths. |
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03: Application
of 'lofting' techniques to closed and curved path shapes. Use
of paths and cross-sections to create objects such as custom
framing is demonstrated.
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04: Resolving problem 'lofts' if face intersection is caused by path shapes, step settings or 'shape' orientation. |
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05: Creation
of complex geometry by the use of shapes to define the
3D form. Explanation of the means to obtain correct
transition
between shapes,
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06: Use
of 'Deform Curves' to enhance the shaping of 'lofted'
geometry. A powerful means to quickly reuse and reshape geometry
benefitting from realtime feedback in the viewport.
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07: Use
of 'Extrude' and 'Bevel' modifiers to generate objects from shapes.
Very
effective on text. Useful for other types of
geometry
and shapes.
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08: Use
of the 'Lathe' modifier to quickly generate geometry from a
shape.
A
useful feature of this modifier is the ability to create half-round
versions for carving on 3 axis configurations.
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09: Demonstration
of the 'surface' modifier, illustrating
the use of 3 simple shapes to create geometry that transitions between
the shapes very smoothly. gmax
'skins' the spline framework automatically.
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10: Building gmax shapes to generate 'Profiling' toolpaths using CNC_Toolkit. It's not necessary to create 3D geometry from shapes for this use. |
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11: Building gmax shapes to generate 'Pocketing' toolpaths using CNC_Toolkit. It's not necessary to create 3D geometry from shapes for this use. |
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12: 'Pocketing' toolpaths based on CamBam 'Regions'. Shapes created in gmax can be exported to CamBam using CNC_Toolkit. CamBam processes complex shapes to 'Regions' very efficiently. 'Regions' can then be imported back into gmax for combination with other work or for application in work using rotary axes. |
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13: 'Shape extraction methods. When 3D content has not been created in gmax, it can be necessary to extract shapes for toolpathing from pre-existing geometry. A range of tools and options can be applied to quickly derive efficient shapes. This can be useful when users need to augment the use of free 3D coding software such as FreeMill. |
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14: Applying extracted and built shapes to create path templates for enhancement of FREE gCoding software. FREE software may have limited options for cutting strategies. gmax shapes and CNC_Toolkit gCoding abilities can greatly enhance the use of external utilities such as FreeMill. |
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14 - 19: Expanding shape building abilities into 3 dimensions to create clearance, rounding, coarse-shaping and pre-finish templates for work using rotary axes. Uniform, non-uniform and / or asymmetric geometry can be addressed using these techniques. |
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| Task 20: Using gmax animation features to preview tool motion and apply tool compensation in finish-shaping paths for rotary axes. Motion previews can make use of extreme magnification. Any toolshape can be accomodated. |
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| Task 20: Building path shapes to address flat-areas around rotary axes. All previously described features can be applied in this work. |
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