I’ve seen several locations on the internet where I can purchase files for CNCs. Often the seller offers different file types. To my knowledge, for my Shaper Origin the best file type is SVG. I’ve ordered an Altmil (expecting delivery in Dec 2024) and would like to know what file types would be best (and why) to purchase. I assume that different file types offer different features (this would be very good to know). Also, some file types will be unique to some software applications. As a newbie to CNCs I remain confused most of the time but I’m attempting to learn and would like to hit the ground running when my Altmil arrives.
@Jgt1942 Before you look at file types to buy, you should consider what CAD/CAM application you are going to use. Have you decided on that yet? Also, what do you plan to do with your AltMill? Sign work, 3D modelling, sheet goods work?
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i’m currently using Coreldraw, Inkscape. i’m considering vcarve desktop and possibly other apps similar to vcarve.
i plan to do signs, 3d, and sheet goods.
What you quickly should decide is what file type your design software will work with. Having a model from a file type is only a minuscule part of the design.
You will also find out how little focus there is on CNC (other than 3D printing) uses. You will have to do more research to drill down into what you can actually use to create the design you’re dreaming about.
This article has a good focus on the CNC file types that are useful.
Here’s one good reference to keep around.
And here’s one that claims it is “The Ultimate Guide”!
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@Jgt1942 The links that @CrookedWoodTex has posted are a good start.
For 2D work, .svg files are good. Try to stay away from .dxf if you can. Much depends on the source of the files, too. Quality can be sketchy from some vendors. For 2.5D and 3D work, .stl files are a sort of standard in “store bought” files. Again, quality will depend on the vendor.
In terms of CAD/CAM applications, Vectric products are a good bet, IMHO. Also, IMHO, getting VCarve Desktop for an AltMill would not be a good choice. Why buy a 4 x 4 machine, then buy software that limits you to a 25 x 25 material size? You can always tile them, but . . . Down the road, you may decide that you want to create your own 3D models. In Vectric products, this will require Aspire. Pricey. The good part of starting out with VCarvePro is that, if you decide to upscale to Aspire, you get full credit for the purchase price of VCarvePro.
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Grant reminded me what a famous thing once said to many millions.
No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
Actually, there is a try with Vectric products. You can get a Trial version for free. You just can’t do much more than that with it, though.
In addition to removing the 25x25 limit of Desktop, Vcarve Pro also brings a lot of tools with it that you won’t be satisfied with using Desktop. I went with Desktop for a year or so, but ended up needing more.
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On STL files for 2.5D/3D and Vectric VCarve: for both Desktop and Pro you can only import a single external file into a project - Aspire does not have this restriction. If you want to have multiple STLs together in a carve, you will need to compose them into a single file else were before importing into VCarve. Something like Meshmixer or Fusion360 - I had to do this recently in Fusion360.
You can import multiple .V3M files into VCarve Desktop/Pro. But, I think this is a Vectric specific file format and the only place I have been able to find V3Ms is at Design & Make (which is a Vectric company)
@gwilki I would agree on the Desktop for a 48x48 machine, but only if the budget will permit the almost double price for the Pro. My budget has not permitted me to upgrade to a Pro license. I have not had a project that needed the full size of my machine, yet. But, there are few of the Pro only tools that I am looking forward to getting once I can upgrade.
@jmckeand I don’t disagree at all that budget has to come into play when making these decisions. I am a hobbyist, so budget is a big deal for me. That’s why I will not be buying the AltMill, for example. If I were using the CNC in a production/commercial environment, my decision would likely be different.
Actually, if you’re a newbie, then try to do your own CAD work, as that’s the best way to learn about CNC operations. Buying others’ files is something I’d recommend only if it’s something so complicated that you can’t do it yourself. As well, some files can be quit expensive and aren’t always very well done.
Good luck on your journey, and as an aside, I’ve got an AltMil on order, too. Fingers crossed that it gets to me in October.
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Thanks guys for the excellent feedback.
I was under the impression " You can upgrade from VCarve Desktop to VCarve Pro by simply paying the difference between the two products ." I assume that you could then upgrade to Aspire if you needed to do so.
Budget is a concern but more importantly is my age. At 82 I don’t have a long runway ahead of me. Hopefully I can make some great progress once the Altmil arrives.
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@Jgt1942 John. Your impression is correct. If you own one Vectric product and want to upgrade, you pay only the difference in price. This is true for desktop to pro upgrades as well as upgrades from VCarve to Aspire.
Great! I think I will start with the desktop version and upgrade as needed.