Signet Ring Blender 3D Python Script
The blender script described on this page creates *.nc files that can be run on a 4x cnc mill.
The 'idod.avi' video shows how I machine a wax blank prior to running the *.nc files.
The signet.nc file takes 24 minutes to run on the mill. The video takes 16 seconds.
This Script inputs a wide range of variables and then creates
a mesh model, CNC *.nc files and can also read *.xyz point simulation files
First off, words cannot express my thanks to the people who have created Blender 3D.
These pages are some of my favorites (it's almost a crime to mention so few):
Robert Burke's Precision Modelling PDF Guide
An introduction to architecture modeling with Blender by Yorik van Havre
Greybeard's Video Tutorials
Eugene's Blender Video Tutorials at Geneome.net
Matt Ebb's Exporting Blender's 3D Curves script: export_curves_fcollada-1.1.py
Nils Pipenbrinck's description of using the DeCasteljau Algorithm to calculate bezier-curves
Blender is a high performance 3d modeling package.
When I say high performance, just compare the speed which Blender loads and displays *.xyz point files
compared to that of mainstream cad/cam packages. It really isn't fair because Blender just blows them all away.
(This conclusion is based on my experience. ie. take a look at the tst.doc file below)
Publishing my script routines is hopefully going to expand the use of Blender for designing and machining CNC models.
If I also drum up some more ring business - well that's good too.
Background
I've been making jewelry for over 35 years and for the last 12 years have been machining wax models on cnc mills.
About 5 years ago I started machining titanium. Examples of my work are here: www.5xj.com.
Creating Signet Rings builds upon my experience using Bezier Curves in Blender and Creating Half Round Bands in Blender.
There is no way I claim to be an expert using Blender or writting python scripts. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
SIGNET RING SAMPLE MESH MODEL
Overview of the Signet Ring Script
There are many ways to do things in blender. This script file was written to conform these basic rules:
A Blender model is of no use to me if I can't cut the model on my cnc mill.
I wanted to use simple math routines, don't want to be tied to specific complex Blender function calls.
(which I don't know, understand or may become obsolete in the future).
Add Mesh Verticies in radial sections (to optimize rendering quality and toolpath creation).
Create all NC files inside Blender (no external programs are necessary).
The front view of the Blender model looks thru the finger hole.
Overview of the Signet Ring Design
There are a host of variables to describe these basic components:
Top geometry: currently this is an ellipse (I will be adding other shapes).
A Spin Line connects the top geometery to the Spin Arc.
The Spin Arc connects the Spin Line to the Bottom Corner.
The Spin Line and Spin Arc are swept around the top geometry.
A Bezier Edge Curve determins the edge thickness and side view profile.
The Bottom Shank section connects the two Bottom Corners.
SIGNET RING SAMPLE WITH TOOL PATH SIMULATION
Signet Ring Script download files - mnu_155c.py 7/12/09
Blender Signet Ring mnu_155c_blend.zip
mnu_155c_bpydata.zip, data files & sample signet ring *.nc files
Default Signet Ring HTML File, (example script generated html file)
Default Signet Ring xyz pt file, mnu_155b_xyz.zip (signet.nc simulated xyz pt file generated by my cnc mill program)
I recorded these videos with a sony F828 and edited the mpg files with
Virtualdub with xvid codecs.
My favorite media player is videolan.
IDOD.avi VIDEO 3.0 MB
SIGNET.avi VIDEO 2.1 MB
Note: These files are constantly changing .
Rendering routines are in their first stages (camera, materials & lighting are just beginning to be added into the script)
Have not yet started working on creating videos in blender (to be used in the script generated html pages).
Roy Goodell 7/12/09
Signet Ring Script download files - mnu_157a.py 7/31/09
mnu_157a_blend.zip with Horse Model by Endre Barath modified by Roy Goodell
sample horse model by Endre Barath
http://etyekfilm.hu/horse_public_packed.blend (used with permission, thank you Endre!)
modified by Roy Goodell (scaled, rotated, and translated)
Goto this page for more info on using this script to make signet rings with 3d mesh models
Signet_Rings_Mesh_Models.html mnu_157a blender python script
Roy Goodell 7/31/09
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POETRY RINGS