Importing 3D model for two sided machining in Vectric software | Two Sided Machining

Overview

This video demonstrates how to import a third-party 3D model into a two-sided machining job in Vectric software, orient and scale it, adjust overcut/undercut settings, and reposition limit planes so both sides of the model can be machined correctly.

Steps

1. Create a new two-sided job

   • Set width to 6 inches and height to 10 inches.
   • Set material thickness to 1 inch.
   • For Side 1, zero off the material surface.
   • For Side 2, select zero off the same side and ensure you zero off the machine bed after flipping the material.
   • Set X-Y datum to bottom left, flip left-to-right, and choose a high modeling resolution.
   • Select a material (e.g., Canadian maple) and click OK.

2. Import the 3D model

   • Go to File Operations → Import a Component or 3D Model.
   • Navigate to the tutorials folder and choose Marlin_FB.obj.
   • STL and other supported formats may also be used.

3. Set initial orientation

   • In the Import 3D Model dialog, use the 3D view to inspect the model.
   • Use the rotation gizmo or the initial orientation presets to make the model sit flat.
   • Use the 90-degree rotation controls if needed (e.g., −90).

4. Scale and center the model

   • Enable Lock X, Y, Z ratio.
   • Change Y width to 8 inches and click Apply.
   • Click Center Model to position it within the material bounds.

5. Position relative to modeling plane

   • Move the model up/down as needed so it is centered and all desired detail is preserved.
   • Keep Create Both Sides enabled.

6. Set overcut distance

   • Set overcut distance to approximately the tool diameter.
   • For a 1/8-inch ball nose tool, enter 1/8 and press equals to get 0.125 inches.
   • This overcut forces the tool past the modeling plane to reduce cusping on model edges.

7. Check undercuts

   • Enable Highlight Undercuts to see areas inaccessible to the tool.
   • Pink areas indicate geometry below the modeling plane or unreachable regions.
   • Temporarily increase overcut distance to understand what can become accessible, then return it to 0.125 inches.

8. Import the model

   • Click Import to enter the two-sided machining environment.
   • Toggle the two-sided view on to inspect the model.
   • Use the view control to switch between top/back sides. The active side has a black outline around the top face.

9. Review levels organization

   • The software automatically creates levels: tabs, limit plane, and model.
   • The same level structure is created for both sides.

10. Adjust limit planes for each side

• Activate the limit plane level.
• In the 3D view, double-click the limit plane to reveal the base height handle and floating properties.
• Drag the base height handle downward until hidden details (e.g., fins) are revealed.
• Repeat on the opposite side using that side’s limit plane.

Key Points / Warnings

• Third-party 3D models often lack orientation/size metadata; always inspect and correct in the Import 3D Model dialog.
• A high modeling resolution is recommended when using 3D content.
• The overcut distance is usually best set to about one tool diameter.
• Pink undercut highlights can sometimes be misleading due to model triangulation/faceting; think critically about what the tool can actually reach.
• Limit planes should be adjusted per side to expose details that would otherwise be impossible to machine.
• Use the visual cue in the view control: the current side’s top face will have a black outline.
• The same level organization is applied to both sides automatically; keep limit planes on their own levels for easier toolpath creation.