Question 3D machining of Skull

This video demonstrates full 3D CAM with the STEPCRAFT S420. The program used is Cut3D. Cut 3D can interpret/import STL files. Typically most 3D CAD packaged can be used to design a 3D part and then export the 3D shape as a .STL file.

An STL file is a 3D CAD file format that is compatible with common 3D CAM packages like Cut3D, STEPCRAFT repetier host and other 3D printing/ CNC CAM packages.

NOTE: Once you generate an STL file - its not good to then use the STL file to change the shape. Always go back to the original CAD package to modify and regenerate the STL file.


Lets assume we have a 3D CAD file in STL format that we want to machine.

• Import into cut3D
• Setup the Material size
• Apply the roughing strategy where the main bulk of the material is removed. In this case this was done with a 3mm end mill cutter.
• Apply the finishing toolpath where the final surface details is machined using a ballnose cutter. In this case a 2mm ballnose cutter was used.
• Finally the cut out toolpath was applied

NOTE: These three toolpaths were exported separately with the different tools relevant tools for the various strategies.


the UCCNC was used to control the machine. The UCCNC is a Gcode controller. So this could have been done with Mach3/WinPC full version/ Linux CNC.

Cut3D can be viewed as a STL file to Gcode converter.
UCCNC can be viewed as a Gcode to machine controller.

So - for example - you cannot import the Gcodes from Cut3D into winPC Starter. It must be the winPC full version - or Mach3 / UCCNC