About WarpDriver
I use Vectric's V-Carve Pro and PhotoVCarve (VCP and PVC, respectively) software to generate the CNC instructions in the G-code language, which is then interpreted using Mach 3, another program that controls the mechanical components. Most likely, if you have gotten this far in the story, you know what I am talking about; if not, check out CNCZone for a world of really smart and innovative discussions about CNC.
VCP and PVC assume that the router is cutting flat materials. More sophisticated programs from Vectric (and others) work in 3D, and these programs are fantastic. But there are times when I would like to work with curved surfaces in VCP, like raised protrusions or dished shapes. Ideally, I would want to also carve artwork and text onto these non-flat surfaces.
Enter WarpDriver. I wrote WarpDriver as a Windows program to extend what 2D software can do. It reads G-code files produced by CNC design programs (like VCP or PVC) and 'warps' the X,Y and Z information so that it follows a predefined shape. These shapes can have any profile, but the codes now support shapes like elliptical frames, domes and dishes, and rectangular protrusions and dishes. It can also adjust your G-code if your X and Y axes are not perfectly orthogonal. I use a warped 'pocket' to cut the material down to this shaped surface, then carve my pattern of text, or an image, or some artwork, onto this newly exposed surface. The image above is the first test cut, showing some text imposed on a domed shape; this is 0.4" higher in the centre than the edges. More examples are shown in the WarpDriver Gallery, including a 'warped' Mayan/Aztec calendar.
The most recent versions of WarpDriver can also output the warped file in CSV format; this can be reloaded back into Aspire or VCP (versions 4 or 7 and up, respectively), and previewed, repositioned, rotated or integrated with other toolpaths there. See the WarpDriver Bowls example to see how to make both inside (concave) and outside (convex) surfaces of bowls in VCP.
Details WarpDriver Gallery Instructions and Examples Download Blog
VCP and PVC assume that the router is cutting flat materials. More sophisticated programs from Vectric (and others) work in 3D, and these programs are fantastic. But there are times when I would like to work with curved surfaces in VCP, like raised protrusions or dished shapes. Ideally, I would want to also carve artwork and text onto these non-flat surfaces.
Enter WarpDriver. I wrote WarpDriver as a Windows program to extend what 2D software can do. It reads G-code files produced by CNC design programs (like VCP or PVC) and 'warps' the X,Y and Z information so that it follows a predefined shape. These shapes can have any profile, but the codes now support shapes like elliptical frames, domes and dishes, and rectangular protrusions and dishes. It can also adjust your G-code if your X and Y axes are not perfectly orthogonal. I use a warped 'pocket' to cut the material down to this shaped surface, then carve my pattern of text, or an image, or some artwork, onto this newly exposed surface. The image above is the first test cut, showing some text imposed on a domed shape; this is 0.4" higher in the centre than the edges. More examples are shown in the WarpDriver Gallery, including a 'warped' Mayan/Aztec calendar.
The most recent versions of WarpDriver can also output the warped file in CSV format; this can be reloaded back into Aspire or VCP (versions 4 or 7 and up, respectively), and previewed, repositioned, rotated or integrated with other toolpaths there. See the WarpDriver Bowls example to see how to make both inside (concave) and outside (convex) surfaces of bowls in VCP.
Details WarpDriver Gallery Instructions and Examples Download Blog