How do I bring a ShopBot digitizing probe scan into Aspire as a 3D model? (ShopBot Probe Importer gadget)

What it is

The ShopBot Digitizing Probe records a scan as a ShopBot toolpath file. This gadget reads that file and brings it into Aspire as a toolpath, which you then convert into a 3D component. The library states that it supports only the .SBP file format from the ShopBot Digitizing Probe.

The route is two-stage: scan file to toolpath, then toolpath preview to component.

Steps

1. Download the version 12 build from the gadget library and install it with Gadgets > Install New Gadget.
2. Start a new job in Aspire that covers the scanned area and height.
3. Choose Gadgets > ShopBot Probe Importer.
4. Fill in the form:

• Toolpath name: the name for the toolpath the gadget will create.
• Tool name: the tool to use for the imported toolpath.
• Filename: press Open and pick the .SBP file.
• Z Zero Set to table: choose whether the scanned item is set to the bottom of your material.

5. Click OK. The toolpath is created.
6. On the Toolpaths tab, preview the toolpath.
7. Choose Model > Create Component from Toolpath Preview. You now have a component you can edit.
8. Select the component and apply the smoothing filter to take out scan noise.

Judgment

• The component is made from the preview, so the tool you pick in step 4 shapes the result. Choose a tool that matches the probe tip as closely as you can. The companion Regular Grid Importer page gives the same advice: the tool diameter should equal the probe diameter.
• Set the job thickness and the Z Zero choice so the whole scan fits inside the material block, or the preview will be cut off at the top or bottom.
• Smooth lightly. Heavy smoothing rounds over the detail you scanned for.

Limits

• .SBP probe files only. For plain X, Y, Z text data from other probes, use the Regular Grid Importer gadget.
• A probe scan is a top-down height map. Undercuts and vertical walls are not captured accurately.
• This is for copying shapes you have the right to reproduce. Scan quality depends on the probe stepover used at the machine.

Pro tips

• Use the Replace Below tool to remove the table surface around the scanned part.
• Save the component as clipart once it is cleaned up. See the entry on saving your own clipart.