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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    298

    Seriously dumb CAM question

    I'm really about to show my ignorance here, but hey, we've all got to learn.

    I've downloaded a trial version of MeshCAM, and imported a very simple STL file I'd created (a 1/4" thick sheet with a circle cut out of it).

    Generating a toolpath with MeshCAM was fine, and I can load this into Mach or CNCSimulator and see what would happen.

    MeshCAM looks ideal for producing pseudo 3D parts - textured surfaces, engraving etc. However, what would I use if I just wanted the cutter to follow the path of the geometry? I ask because I was sort of expecting the CAM program to create a simple cutting path - a circular cut to make a hole, then a few straight paths to cut out the sheet.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You want something like SheetCAM to just cut a hole, or a profile. But, SheetCAM won't read 3D files, only 2D drawings. MeshCAM was designed for cutting 3D surfaces, and it cuts the entire surface, not just specific features.

    If your a Mach3 user, you might want to try LazyCAM, free for registered Mach3 users. download the first beta at www.machsupport.com, and watch the video there too. The first release is a little buggy, but looks very promising.
    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)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    298
    Thanks for the info Gerry!

    OK, I've downloaded SheetCAM and run through the first tutorial, and the resulting g-code simulates fine on Mach and CNCSimulator.

    I've also downloaded A9CAD, and made a very simple drawing (a rectangle with a couple of circular holes). Running that through SheetCAM produces a very garbled toolpath, so I guess I'm going to have to do a bit more reading. Is there anything simple I'm likely to be missing?

    I also downloaded LazyCAM, but it crashes on the PC I'm currently using, so I've not spent too much time with it.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Quote Originally Posted by sploo
    I've also downloaded A9CAD, and made a very simple drawing (a rectangle with a couple of circular holes). Running that through SheetCAM produces a very garbled toolpath, so I guess I'm going to have to do a bit more reading. Is there anything simple I'm likely to be missing?
    When you save the .dxf from A9CAD, use version 12 or older .dxf's
    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)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    298
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21
    When you save the .dxf from A9CAD, use version 12 or older .dxf's
    I'm afraid I can't find any option to choose the DXF save version (either in the file save dialog, or from the menus). A quick check of the help docs hasn't unveiled anything either.

    Is it a feature only present on the Pro version?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You're right, it doesn't have it. Try downloading their A9 converter and see if converting it makes a difference?
    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)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Also, could you post the problem .dxf here, and let me look at it?
    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)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    298
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21
    You're right, it doesn't have it. Try downloading their A9 converter and see if converting it makes a difference?
    I've used A9Convertor and converted the file to an AutoCAD 12 DXF - which has resulted in a smaller file.

    I'm not sure if I'll get chance to test it on SheetCAM tonight, but I'll let you know the results when I've tried.

    I can post the original file, but it's literally:

    1) Open A9CAD (v2.2.1)
    2) Draw a rectangle
    3) Draw two circles inside the rectangle
    4) Save as DXF

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    If that doesn't help, try exploding the objects before saving.
    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)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    298
    Doh!

    Gerry, my apologies, I've been wasting your time.

    I took another look at the drawing I'd been using (just a quick and dirty 'slap some shapes down to see what happens').

    It's rather hard to cut a 20x10mm rectangle with two <4mm diameter holes when you've setup the CAM program to use a 1/4" (6.35mm) tool!

    I put together something on a more sensible scale; SheetCAM then produces a set of paths and rapids that look fine, and the resulting g-code runs as I'd expect on both CNCSimulator and Mach.

    This looks exactly like what I need, but I'll see if I can get an eval licence for SheetCAM (as the 150 line limit is a bit restrictive). That way I can have a play before I get a machine, but it certainly looks promising.

    Many thanks for your help!

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