Hello Hex People !

[rick woodward]

I am a woodcarver, name is rick woodward. Now working with a CNC router table. I've had to shift my woodcarving due to disabilities. Is there anyone here using Hexagon for modeling and exporting to Artcam Pro ? Artcam is seriously lacking in modelling ability,tools, and ease of use. It is only for 2 1/2d modelling actually, I need to model and re-position wildlife animals, humans with clothing, etc. I also do dimensional sign work. I have downloaded several trials and Hexagon is the one that seems easiest to work with. I was pretty upset with Eovia selling, but hope it will continue. I have only played with Hexagon once or twice so far. Its hard to get quality time with it, because it takes alot outa me making a living. (well, trying to) Other than artcam i am a complete greenhorn at this. All my work will be in relief up to 2.5 inches in z height. I spend outrageous amount of time creating something in artcam and i only have that one shape/position. In Hexagon i could model in real 3d , rotate, say a horse or bear to a view i want to carve. I think i can also move /reposition a leg or head to change the model to another ? This will save me tons of time. I have seen wireframes of real nice cabinet doors relief carved on the internet, but have no idea what software was used. I need to be able to design things like that. And i will be doing full size doors also. Being able to create raised panel doors/signs, etc, with things like grapes, leaves, trees, humans, many different organic shapes is what im after. So, if there is anyone doing things like this, i would really appreciate your input/advice/ tutorials? I have looked at the help documentation and a few video's within. This is one amazing software, i think its the right one for what i need. Thank you kindly in advance. Also, thank you Thomas, for your help and keeping your forum going. I appreciate you and all your efforts, now and in the past. I have been looking and reading for a long time. I am curious though. I was wondering if you live in France , the U.S. or where? I have a reason for asking. Prefer if you would email me. rcarves@hotmail.com By the way Thomas, i have always liked hearing peoples(women) accents from other countries, speaking english... I swear there is NOTHING sexier than a french woman speaking english with that accent. Melts my socks ! LOL! Especially if she is a good looking woman! Sorry, off the subject.... rick woodward

[Thomas]

Hi Rick!
First of all, welcome here!

To answer your question, yes, Im french, living in france, in Bordeaux exactly (the city of the wine ;))

But please, two remarks ;)
1.Please, use your Enter key when you type a message to add break lines! It's hard to read your message like this
2.I move the message from the misc section, because it's more an "Hello" message

[fabster]

hello Rick!
In order to help, we'd need to know which file Artcam can import...
Hexagon can export *.stl files, wich are I think suitable for stereolythography. Maybe that could be of any help in woodworking? appart from that Hex2 mainly export types of files that are used in CG images, but the *.obj file type is so common that maybe Artcam can read it?
Appart from that, I think one the guys on this forum used Hex2 to export to stereolythography, I don't remember his name, but if you make a search maybe you'll find him, and he might be able to give you a hand?

Regards,

[rick woodward]

That was FAST ! yessir, thats true. Enter key. Bad habit, I'm a hunt and peck typer, OLD geezer ! LOL ! I now have Hexagon and i was actually able to do some extruding in it. I like it alot. The car hood video was REAL nice. i think i could do something like that to create a smooth raised area in a cabinet door an then inset a model in the middle. This is getting me somewhere. I will check my email, i want to tell you about something.. rick

[rick woodward]

Hello, Yes , your correct, stl files work and can be imported. Not obj. In fact I have trouble importing eps. and sometimes dxf. files. I had a trial of Corels new X3, not working at all. Corel say its the latest and greatest eps and dxf. But artcam isnt taking any version file saved. Illustrators latest trial DID import as dxf , but not eps. Corel told me Artcam needs to update its eps and dxf filters. I can also import 3ds files. but its very low resolution. Maybe the way it was created and saved. This was free models on the internet. i need to create and detail somewhat, my models and bring the finished version into artcam for toolpathing. The bit i use the most for carving is an 1/8th inch ball nose. so very small details are not needed. I finish carve the high detail. Thank you kindly for your reply. rick

[KevinSp]

Rick, I am in the same business using a cnc router table for dimensional signage. I use a software called Type3 instead of Artcam. They are similiar in what they do. I build in Hexagon and export .stl files. then import them into Type3 and scale and do whatever I need to them. It takes alittle trial and error to figure out orientation & scale of the object but once you have your settings it's no problem.

Tip: If you are using smoothing in hex make sure you collapse the dynamic geometry before you export(unclick the little lightening bolt in the dynamic geometry window next to your object. Otherwise it will import your base shape instead of the pretty smoothed one.)

[chrisd]

I have used Type3 v3 and ArtCAM v5. I also have decided to use Hexagon for working in “true” 3D in combination with either of these applications. Though I have not used the latest ArtCAM, I imagine it has not improved much in this area. Rick, what version of ArtCAM are you using?

I find the other big advantages of Hex over Type3 and ArtCAM are in the Dynamic Geometry and Construction History.

A few things I would like added to Hex for signage applications are:
1) maintain imported AI/EPS files as Bezier Curves
2) change number of segments per Bezier curve
3) save dynamic text

Most of the free models (as well as for sale models) on the internet are low resolution. Unless the model will be very close to the camera, there is no need to have millions of polys since the texture, bump and normal maps really enhance the quality of the model for rendering.

Here are a couple sites that do have high resolution models and artwork for machining
http://www.vectorart3d.com ArtCAM and STL format
http://www.gantryco.com greyscale bitmaps for displacement or height maps

Regards,
Chris

[rick woodward]

I been busy. I have gotten some files from Vector Art, they work great. Havent heard of the other site. I will check it out. I Have Artcam pro 8.2. Good to know about the bezier and AI./EPS. issues. Yeah i hope those get addressed real soon. As i have barely started messing with Hexagon i dont know much about anything yet. I have tried the dynamic geometry button, along with many others. but i didnt see any difference. I need to get more time to explore and do as many tutorials as i can. I wish i was profficient with it right now. I need to expand the range of things i can output as soon as possible. If you want to, i'd like to communicate via email and/or phone. I could send you pics of what i am doing now, maybe exchange pics. I'd be interested in what your getting in output from Hexagon for the cnc work. I've been carving more than 26 years and doing some painting. Lots of designs i want to do , just anxious to realize them. Your input is appreciated and when i can start getting models made i'd appreciate anyones constructive crticism. My email is rcarves@hotmail.com

[chrisd]

Hi Rick, I will send you an email.

Thanks,
Chris