Software to convert images into perforated pattern

[Tarun Tanwat]

Hello,
I am looking for a software or ways to convert images into perforated pattern that can used for CNC punching machine.

 

[Baluncore]

What is the proposed use, or purpose, for the punched plate?

Please attach an example, or give a link, to the type of image you want to punch.

What is the capability of the punch. Is there a choice of punch tool shapes and rotations, or does it only build bigger holes by punching several times with one punch?

 

[Ranger Mike]

Your original post , if I may restate it , is how to convert an image or drawing ( 2D part print) to a useable format to program punch press machines to product the image.

The old 2D part print can be converted to DFX format. DXF is short for Drawing Interchange Format or Drawing Exchange Format.

You can convert your 2D part print PDF to CAD 3D. Don't have a scanner big enough to scan in part prints?

You can scan your legacy part prints at any FedEx office - Pricing: $5.99/3 sq. ft. or less $9.99 over 3 sq. ft. Store the scan in PDF format. The problem is that this scan is a Raster scan ( pixelated) in PDF Raster format. This will have to be converted to a Vector PDF format and can be done easily by any CAD savvy person. Part Manufacturing Information ( PMI) is a nice thing to have but not required.

When a print is scanned it is saved as a Raster PDF that is highly pixelated. It you're not sure about the PDF, magnify it and if the edges are blurry or fuzzy pixelated it is a Raster PDF format. This must be converted to Vector format.

If you have received a PDF from your customers CAD Department, chances are it is in Vector PDF format. To determine if it is in Vector format vs raster.

Next, Convert all of your active part prints to CAD 3D models.

PDF Vector format it can easily convert it to 3D CAD model if you have Simens NX, Solidworks, Solid Edge, AutoCad, Auto Desk Fusion, Catia and Unigraphics CAD software. All can import and convert 2D to 3D and most have been able to do so for ten years!

Additionally, there are dozens of on line services that can convert your part prints to CAD. One such service is Applications 3D - 2217 Avon Industrial Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309- p (248)853 7700 c (248)202 6842 www.applications3d.com

Once you have CAD file the CAM ( Computer Assisted Manufacturing) process is easy. 3D CAD can be imported by cnc machine software to generate the correct tool path for producing the part.

 

[Baluncore]

There are a few mosaic and collage makers that can build a banner from many smaller pictures, by selecting and positioning different photos with the appropriate colour and brightness for each pixel in the image.

In the case of an NC punch, we are restricted to brightness variation only. The smallest round holes, with the greatest separation, will give the darkest greyscale pixels. The biggest punch, with the closest spacing, will give the brightest punched pixel while preserving a mesh. To pack holes closer would need round punches to be abandoned, requiring square or hexagonal punches to get the closest packing and lightest greyscale.

The conversion could maintain a regular grid, or dither the position of the punched holes in some way, to anti-alias the punched sheet and hide the original raster. Maybe the holes could be punched along circular paths or a spiral.

First classify the picture to be punched into a greyscale image. Then select punch hole size and density, with the separation needed to approximate the image brightness. That is not a particularly difficult program to implement.

 

[sophiecentaur]

I am looking for a software or ways to convert images into perforated pattern that can used for CNC punching machine.

Sounds as if your requirement is like the old Litho process for converting a grey scale image to a pattern of dots with varying sizes which was used for old newspaper style printing. It may be worth while nosing around in that direction for suitable software. What range of hole sizes is available? Of course, there will be a limit to the maximum hole size for the supporting plate to be strong enough; that would limit your contrast ratio.