How do I go about producing G-code from a Solidworks 3D model? Do I need to import the model into software such as Mastercam?
Thanks.
How do I go about producing G-code from a Solidworks 3D model? Do I need to import the model into software such as Mastercam?
Thanks.
You need to bring your model into a CAM package. Mastercam should work. You'll need to play around a bit to see which format works best (ie. stl, dwg, igus etc).
If you haven't bought Mastercam yet, I'd suggest looking at some more "user friendly" options (i.e. Onecnc or MeshCam).
ok, thanks very much. So mastercam isn't that user friendly then? Do you know if I can import a 3d model into Kcam?
Mastercam is a very powerful program, much like Autocad is in the CAD world. However, its also very non-friendly. Its like the difference between windows and DOS. A co-worker tried to learn it and eventually abandoned it for something friendlier.Originally Posted by w i l l
From their website, it seems that Kcam accepts DXF files (.DXF), HPGL files (.PLT) and Excellon ASCII drill files (.NC).Originally Posted by w i l l
I just checked and I don't see these as options for Solidworks to save as. This could be a problem unless someone else can see a work-around.
I would skip Kcam and keep looking for an alternative with a wider range of file imports.
Carlo
Does mastercam/Onecnc or MeshCam use the printer port as a I/O and can you configure the pins? If so I can operate the router from these types of software.
Oh man, Will, you have got some learning ahead of you
Controller software runs your machine. Cadcam software is used to create machine code to feed into your controller software, which them makes your part.
First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
Oh man, HuFlungDung, I know.
I'm just trying to find out if my router can operate from mastercam/Onecnc or MeshCam. The manufacturer recommends kcam, but I can't import a 3D Solidworks model into this.
I asked the manufacturer and he told me this, "If mastercam uses the printer port as a I/O and you can configure the pins then it should work fine.
If not then you can probably export the gcode it creates and load it into Kcam".
Hence my question.
I'm assuming then that means configuring the pins of the controller and mastercam etc should use the printer port on the computer.
I'd stay away from KCAM, especially if you want to do 3D work. Download and try Mach3 to run your machine, and use MeshCAM to create the g-code.
CAM software that creates g-code can not run your machine.
Gerry
UCCNC 2017 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html
Mach3 2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html
JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
ok, I haven't actually got a machine, I'm just enquiring. The machine I'm referring to is the one advertised on your site from cncdudez.com.
Originally Posted by ger21
I think this is key to avoiding confusion. You actually need two seperate pieces of software.
1-CAM software that will import your 3d file and convert it to toolpaths, and eventually g-code.
2-Control software that will read your g-code and control your motors during machining (this is where ports and pins become important).
Carlo
Will,
I would talk to CNCDUDEZ and see if MACH 3 software will control their machines. KCAM is not worth the hassle.
Dan
Surfcam, Surfcam, Surfcam. You can't go wrong but it costs big dollars to do surfacing. If you are doing 2-d then it is not so bad. If the part is not complicated you should program it by writing the code yourself. Surfcam, Mastercam and the other CAMs are not efficient at programming simple parts. I can go to machine and knock out code for holes, keyways, bolt circles and the like faster than I can make all of the tool selections and geometery slections in cam packages. I am proficient with Surfcam and have tried Mastercam along with Bobcrap (Bobcad).
CT
This may sound like an odd question, but if you already have Solidworks, why not take a look at SolidCam..??
or just Solidacam [and similar] format files??
enjoy..
ok but on http://www.cncdudez.com/ only one software is mentioned... kcam.
Does this both do the job of the controller software and the CAM software?
KCAM can convert 2D .dxf's to g-code, which could be considered very basic CAM. True CAM software will give you much more control over what you're doing, though.
Gerry
UCCNC 2017 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html
Mach3 2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html
JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
yes I understand that but is this also a control software (as well as CAM software)?
there is no control software listed on http://www.cncdudez.com/.
above it was mentioned that you need control software and CAM software.
Yes, KCAM is mainly control software. But, as mentioned above, Mach3 is a far better alternative, especially for 3D work.
Gerry
UCCNC 2017 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html
Mach3 2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html
JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
Mach3 works fine with our controller box, and is much smoother when running the motors than Kcam because of the LPT driver that is custom designed by the Mach3 guys does perform very well.
Have got to get around to placing up screen shots for people to configure the I/O pins within Mach3 and talk them through the config process , but do plan to in the future.
Also there are other packages we would like to try out that that use the LPT Port in the future and document the config for our controller box.
The main reason we recommend Kcam is because as a beginners package it is easier, not complicated and at a low price.
Also we do have a CNC Basics page on the site that does explain the basics!
Again needs updating, but we are getting there!
Regards
Sean.
Originally Posted by dannyboysd89
Mach3 has the tutorial videos to help you set it up on their download page, very helpfull.
http://www.machsupport.com/
Joe
take a look at solidcam, you dont have to export anything.
If you are using solidworks, its a gold solution partner and runs directly inside of it.
you can download a demo that lets you do pretty much everything, except post gcode
You can atleast get an idea of how it works by going thru the tutorials
Mike