603,894 active members*
2,724 visitors online*
Register for free
Login

Thread: Ok need help

Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    2

    Ok need help

    Ok I bought a 2000mw engraver. Works good but it also comes with a cutter program. It has a default shape to cut. Its a star and the cuts the star in plexiglass very good. So heres the problem. It looks for gcode file to work. So I made a gcode on my sketchup like I do with my 3d printer. When i open to load the file its not there. So I click all files I see it and it says wrong format. I been downloading tons of programs just to cut basic shapes. The only thing im looking for is a way to have it repeat the pattern X amount of times. What can I do to get this to load what ever kind of gcode it needs or what cheap program is there that will connect and have a button that has repeat? Im only cutting 1/8 so up and down is not a problem. .

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5951

    Re: Ok need help

    Sketchup doesn't write G-code; all it does is produce a 3D model. You need to feed that into a CAM program to come up with G-code your machine can execute. When you used your 3D printer, it had a "slicer" program built in that did this for you. CAM programs are similar, but you need to input some data, like the size of your cutter and how fast you want to go. For basic cut-out shapes, one CAM program that's popular is called Sheetcam. For 3D models, there's a free program called Freemill that would get you started.
    Andrew Werby
    Website

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    2
    I use SketchUp with a plugin that I use with my 3d printer. but I will go with your suggestion and see how that works I appreciate it very much for you taking the time out of your day to write me

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •