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Laser engraving a map on a 3D terrain model

CNC machine a 3D terrain model and then use laser engraving
to burn a 2D SVG file with map information on that 3D relief


Explaining how to laser engrave on a topographic map on a 3D terrain model   (DP V8.0, 25:43 min)


The ability to do laser engraving was a new feature in DeskProto Version 8.0 We have already published two tutorial videos on that subject:
Laser engraving a flat vector image - shows how you can burn a 2D vector drawing on a flat surface, Laser engraving a 2D vector image on a 3D part - shows that you also can burn this 2D image projected on a 3D part.

This new feature gave us inspiration to experiment with a completely new application:
Create a 3D terrain model (relief model) and then use laser engraving to burn a 2D map on this relief. For this experiment we used one of the Canary islands: La Palma. We had machined that terrain model before (see the Newsletter of July 2017), and the idea was that adding a map would make the result even more appealing.

Three files have been used as CAD-data: the original STL file from 2017 (a download from Thingiverse), an SVG file with map information that was created by bitmap tracing a screenshot from Google Maps and a DXF file with the word "La Palma", created in Rhino.

First the terrain model is CNC machined, using both roughing and finishing, followed by laser engraving. The 2D vector curves were converted to 3D by enabling the option 'Project vector curves on 3D Part geometry'. That option makes DeskProto calculate 3D laser toolpaths, where the laser's focus point follows the height of the part. Such ability to create 3D laser engravings sets DeskProto apart, as this is not a common option in laser engraving software.

For each step in the process all DeskProto settings are explained and shown, followed by a shot that shows the CNC machine in action. Finally of course the resulting model is shown: we think it is great !
  • 00:00 - Introduction: why use the island of La Palma
  • 00:38 - Laser engraving in DeskProto V8 allows burning a map on a terrain model
  • 01:42 - Start DeskProto, define the part and create the roughing toolpaths
  • 07:35 - Machine the relief: the roughing operation
  • 08:00 - Show the finishing cutter: a tapered cutter.
  • 08:41 - Back to DeskProto, create the finishing toolpaths
  • 10:48 - Machine the relief: the finishing operation
  • 11:29 - Create the SVG file with the map
  • 12:47 - Load the SVG file, scale and position it
  • 15:38 - Also load the DXF file
  • 15:58 - Add a vector operation and set it for laser engraving
  • 17:18 - Select Project vector curves on 3D part geometry
  • 18:15 - Select all map information for Profiling
  • 18:54 - Select the name for Pocketing
  • 19:24 - Calculate and save the paths for the laser
  • 20:36 - Explain how different scaling is possible for each CAD-file
  • 22:34 - Engrave all vector data onto the terrain model
  • 23:24 - Evaluate the results.
For a project like this the Expert edition or the Multi-Axis edition is needed, as the Free edition and the Entry edition do not support projecting vector data on the 3D geometry.

This DeskProto video is on HD quality (1920x1080 pixels).
Subtitles are available and can be switched on, in English and in Dutch.