|
Nowadays more and more people are turning to foam for creation of 3D architectural shapes; Fine Art, such as sculptures and statutes, props for events, props for weddings, miniature golf props, paintball theme, corporate events props, laser tag props, marine boats and ship models, Museum displays, Topographic maps, Full scale car props and much more. Companies are using CNC hot wire foam cutters to cut any 2D foam shapes that only require a flat surface. When there is a need to make a 3D shape, a CNC Router needs to be used. A CNC router will machine any 3D foam shape. It is a 3-axis machine, which means it moves in a 3D space diagonally and in curves, in motions that resemble milling or carving. The router can create 3D foam design from numerous types of material, including: EPS foam, urethane foam, aluminum, light wood, acrylics, plastics and polycarbonate, ABS. The machining process involves creating 3D model using 3D CAD software, then bringing this model into a 3D tool-path that will tell the router the shape size, the resolution, cutting directions, cutting depth, etc. If you have a 3D model you wish to design and it is either too large or too thick to be machined due to height or cutter length restrictions or the foam material not being thick enough, the shape can be sliced into sections. Each slice will be machined separately using the router and then the pieces can be glued together. The machined parts can then be sanded and coated with protective hard shell and painted, which will also take care of eliminating any visible grooves due to the gluing. If you need to create a foam shape design that is large or even full scale you can use a small model, scan it using a 3D scanner then transport it into the CNC router for machining, using a specialty cutting software that generates the part file. Using the scanner enables you to convert any regular model to a live-size design. Any model can be scanned – a face, a sculpture, a car toy, train, boat, plain and anything you need larger. You do not have to visualize and imagine how the 3D model will look like – the scanner does it for you! Next time you start planning a project such as creating a prop for a special event or a wedding, a museum display, a sculpture, a movie set or decor, think of the art of creating a 3D shape out of foam!
Related Articles -
props, props for events, props for weddings, miniature golf props, paintball theme, corporate events props, theme park props, 3D props,
|
