Shapr3D and Shapeoko Pro 5

[PatMann (Pat)]

I am considering purchasing a Shapeoko Pro 5. I already know how to use Shapr3D on my Mac and iPad, and I’m wondering if I’ll need to learn another software package before I can begin using it. Will Shapr3D take me from design to the finished product, or will I need to learn a whole new toolchain?

I also have other questions about configuring the Shapeoko for wood and metal, but this Shapr3D question is my top priority.

Thanks in advance!

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

Shapr3D will export to various 3D file formats, including STL.

3D file formats will require a 3D CAM tool — two options are:

• Carbide Create Pro: Carbide Create Pro

See:

https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create-pro/3d-tool-import-stl/

and also see

Instructions on How To 3D Carve using CC V7 Pro

First, configure the stock: [image] Draw in the geometry for the bowl and place as desired: [image] Inset by the desired width of the rim of the bowl: [image] [image] Offset to the outside of the bowl by endmill diameter plus 10%: [image] [image] Draw in geometry to define the stock (since we’ll be working subtractively): [image] Go to the 3D model tab and model the stock: [image] Select the geometry for the inner curve of the bowl and model it: [image] [image] Then im…

and

Creating a project from an STL file

as requested on support… Given an STL file: [image] which one wants to cut out as: [image] one first loads it into Carbide Create Pro: [image] which previews in 3D as expected: [image] When an STL is imported, the perimeter will be traced: [image] Assuming one wants to cut around the 3D object, one offsets from this by endmill diameter plus 10% or so: [image] [image] It is then possible to assign a 3D roughing toolpath using this offset geometry: [image] [image] Then a 3…

note that only binary format STL files may be imported:

Importing ASCII format STL files

If presented with a set of STL files in ASCII format such as: [image] which will not import into Carbide Create Pro, they must be opened in a 3rd party tool such as Microsoft’s 3D Builder: [image] and re-saved as a binary STL which will then import as expected: body_binary.stl (1.8 MB) [image]

• MeshCAM: https://www.grzsoftware.com/

Which you pick will depend on what sort of work you wish to do:

• pick Carbide Create Pro if you mostly do decorative work
• MeshCAM is best for 3D parts, esp. of a mechanical nature

[PatMann (Pat)]

Thanks for the reply. I looked a little at some of the links and watched videos showing what Carbide3d software can do.

One of the things I make is about 18" long and 6" wide and currently I put a convex face on one side the full length of the stock. Basically I am surfacing a curve into the face using hand planes.

I would like to improve the speed and consistency of this work and while I can draw the sketch in Shapr3D how would I specify this using the Carbide3D tool chain.

MeshCam I’ll take a look, but I am Mac only shop. So I’m limited by that.