Didgitising Software

[Wally]

Hello all,

Could anyone recomend a good software that I might scan a drawing and turn it into a tool path for MC? Thanks for any help.

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

Scan a drawing? Like a paper print? Is this a cartoon or do you want real geometry? Ras2Vec will convert a picture into geometry. But if it's a dimensional print, that's different. First you have to find an engineer that draws to scale . Second: how would Mastercam know how big a line or arc is suppoed to be from a picture (paper print) drawing. Scanning is no as accurate as a CNC machine.

 

Mike Mattera

[Toolfab]

Is it really complex Wally? Can the person that gave you the cartoon send you the file it was created in? If its not that big a deal, the results would be much better if you just created your own geo as a last resort. I dont think scanning ANYTHING into MC is really a good idea.

 

Good luck.

[Wally]

I drew the MIA/POW symble and gonna cut it out of aluminum. I`m making a clock for the local VFW. Someone mentioned to me there was a software that I could scan the picture, scale it and program it. You guys are the profesionals - that`s why I asked. I dabble with MC but Solid Works is my primary function. Thanks for your help.

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

Ras2vec will do exactly what you want, but it is an option. It's designd to take jpg, bmp, gig & tiff files, and convert them into geometry. Probably not worth it just to do 1 part. Tom Smith at www.nc-directions.com is a contract programmer who has the Ras2vec. Unless you expect a lot of machining work from "pictures/graphics" it would be cheaper to pay Tom to convert it for you.

 

Mike Mattera

[Toolfab]

Wally,

 

I am glad you mentioned what you were trying to do. Check your email sir, I have sent you some MC files.

 

[Carl Vallance]

There are a lot of good programs that will convert raster images to vector images.

Adobe Streamliner

Trac Tric 2000

R2V

Corel Draw

Scan 2 Cad

Wintopo Pro

Just to name a few. All of these programs can import the vector image to Mastercam.As to what is the best it depends on what you want. If you want really good detail you will have to clean up the final results no mater which program you use. In my opinion the Raster to vector c-hook is the best. I think all of these programs have a demo version. Try them all and see what you like the best.

[mold100]

Wintopo has a free version I have played around with you might want to give it a whirl.It isnt great but it is neat for some stuff, I have put some toolpaths on pics of my kids.

[TeccBoxx]

Hey Wally there is already a POW/MIA logo in cadcams FTP! I uploaded it awhile back.

[Wally]

Hello All, Just wanted to say thanks for the info. I also drew the Marine Corp. Globe and Anchor if anyones interested.