(ii) I'd flip the blank and repeat the process, but am unsure in what order to run the slices. (i) I'd like to be assured that I won't smack into the sticking up bit during fast moves. (a) slicing the model so that the sticking up bit at the front of the board is cut separately, then cut and overcut for the balance of the board. I am interested in strategies that might be used to limit the number of passes to those necessary to cut the close tolerance blank. I can dedicate one half of my machine to hold-down for cutting top surface and the other half for hold down for cutting bottom surface. This blank will be curved top and bottom and in the XY plane. In order to reduce waste (and greatly improve the number of boards I can get from a large block of foam), I've decided to hot wire a relatively close tolerance blank (10-20mm excess on all sides).

I have been using Cut3D to generate G-code to cut the proof of concept models from rectangular blocks.Ģ. Basically about 80% of the top two passes on the material are waste (each pass is 20-25% of the z depth). Initially I wanted to cut from a rectangular block, but tests on small models have shown huge wastage in time and material. I've attached a couple of pictures that may help visualize this. I think the thing about surfboards that surprises people is how much curve there is in them. Apologies for the delay in responding, I've been off doing other things.

So far, I don't see any problems doing this in Cut3D and since you are using foam, roughing passes can be set up to remove a lot of material quickly which will minimize the time for any air cutting, if there is any at all to worry about. We can help you with this, just need more information on exactly what you will start with.

You have a rectangular blank of material you want to precut with a hot wire cutter, then place that on your machine and complete the final shape using Cut3D? The first picture shows a possible idea of what the blank would look like, and out of this you want to end up with the example shape shown?Īre you planning on setting up and doing 2 sided machining? If not, what will your approach be to complete both sides? It would be great if you could supply more detail and pictures, but so far this is the image I've formed. Others have given some good advice for other Vectric products, but most of these ideas will not apply to Cut3D. I've stayed out of this since my first post because each of your responses have given us some more information and changed what I had originally pictured in my mind.

Aspire vectric hot wire foam cutting