Modeling difficult geometries in Carbide Create Pro

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

This came in as a tech support request:

I don’t see a way to create the pictured part in Carbide 3D Pro.
Is it possible?

The short answer is, “Yes.” for the long answer and how-to, see below.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

The part is about 2.5 " by 2" and 1" thick.

We will need a stock area comfortable larger than that:

Then draw in some geometry which describes a top-down view of what we want to cut:

and use the Trim Vectors command and some additional geometry to arrive at outlines which are then Joined together:

Then we draw in geometry which exceeds the bounds and which can be used to begin to model the shapes:

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Begin by adjusting the stock size to encompass all the geometry:

Then, model the full thickness:

Then subtract the rounded form:

Then use the balance of the geometry to force the desired heights:

(and adjust ordering as necessary)

and then add geometry to trim away anything which isn’t wanted:

Obviously the drawn geometry doesn’t quite match up with the intent, but that should show the techniques necessary to arrive at it if given complete dimensions and so forth.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

One further concern — the cut part seems to show an undercut — this can’t be modeled in Carbide Create Pro, but one could use the Keyhole toolpath to put it in.

[Tod1d (Tod (with 1 'd'))]

Did the user supply any other information? Looks like the tapered surface is a ramp to me.

I just made something similar in NX, and had pondered how to make it in CC. (A camlock)

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

No, that was all — a DXF and a side profile drawing would have helped a lot.

Tapered would be easier:

[dustmite (JN)]

I have nothing constructive to add, but I’m impressed. Does CCpro build/interpret 2.5D shapes by using gradients?

[Tod1d (Tod (with 1 'd'))]

Hey, nice!! Mine was a true helix, but this would work just fine. And the little triangle flat spots were really not necessary either. They just happened when I spun the line around the helix.
Curious if the user’s piece has a similar purpose? Mine is for a clamp frame for a vacuum form tool.

[carve1944nut (Jim Merry)]

William, Your instructions gave me the desired results. Thanks, mischief managed.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Please note that the solid red indicates that you have extended the model up above the stock.

[carve1944nut (Jim Merry)]

It an addition slipup when calculating thickness.