[ckc]

We purchased BobCam and having read a ton of pros and cons, I want some advice as we start.
Problems prior to using BobCam
1) We bought it for nesting feature and prioritizing head movement on a fabric cutting table. Design is based in Corel Draw X6. No matter how we sequence the lines in Corel the cuts do not follow that sequence.
2) Corel will allow over-cuts if cut line should overlap.

BobCad should be capable of eliminating sequencing cuts and nesting panels while preventing over cuts-or so we were told. Asking questions now to shorten learning curve. We do not need a full CADCAM software.

[JEST]

Sent a private message with email to send Corel and Bobcam files. Need a bit more info to help

[ecochran]

Try to use Utilities-Reorganize-Cleanup/optimize as soon as you import the file into bob cad. Corel Draw is probably using duplicate lines to complete the drawing & bob cad will try to cut each line. As for the over cuts, you can control the starting and ending in the leads settings for the feature, for example, on the parallel and the right angle approach settings you can set the distance for the lead in and you can either uncheck the box for lead out to be the same as lead in and adjust it there or leave it checked and it will be the same as the lead in. I hope this helps.

[Sowen]

1 Sequencing- Sequencing is handled by the CAM not by corel. There are options for sequencing within the toolpath dialogs when nested. For additional control the nested sheet can be output as a dxf and individual toolpaths can be applied. There are ways to save toolpaths and their respective settings to simply this process.

2 Overlaps- CAD CAM is an precision part of machining - The drawing imported to BobCAD must be clean , no overlaps. BobCAD will nest the part appropriately if the parts brought in are accurate and correct or at least selected in the appropriate method. BobCAD should not overlap parts if this is occurring something is wrong. Submit the file to [email protected]


Shortening the learning curve- One on One Training will be your best option , this is a fairly simple process but finding the steps yourself can prove time consuming. I would suggest to sign up for 2-4 hours of online training , 1 hour to cover basics and an two hours to cover over your process. If someone outlines with you steps to complete your parts you will find that the process is repetitive. Walking through something yourself can be time-consuming whereas having someone who has done this for years spend a little time helping you will prove for faster results.


"We do not need a full CADCAM software."- This is something I see and hear time and time again , this is not a good way to think about CNC programming software... "CAD", while yes does include tools to create geometry also includes the tools needed to select , move, rotate & copy the drawing. Even though you may create the original geometries in another application "CAM" works based on the drawing file. The two items are one and the same. You cannot have CAM without CAD. If you do the cutting methods cannot be controlled well then your left with only what the software decides is best... Not always a good thing...

Learning the very basics such as moving parts and trimming and extending lines will be necessary in order to efficiently work with any CAD/CAM system. Most users more than likely do not need to be an expert on the CAD side of the CAD/CAM system, but the basics are necessary. If someone does not gather just the basics, it will make dealing with the CAM seem difficult.