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IndustryArena Forum > OpenSource CNC Design Center > OpenSource Software > Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes
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  1. #1

    Smile Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Hi All,

    1st time poster here. My friend and I have just put together a Millwright Carve King
    and we have it working according to the manual.

    We are buying off the shelf ABS enclosures and then trying to mill circular holes in it.
    The software we use is as follows:

    1. ExpressPCB to generate the Mechanical DXF
    2. DXF2GCODE (Fri Oct 25 20:45:56 2019 +0200 $) to Import the DXF
    3. Universal G-CODE Sender (Product Version: Universal Gcode Platform 20190814)

    When I load the DXF file into DXF2GCODE it looks normal,
    I see 10 Shapes (all circular, I remove the outline). I then Export it to GCODE
    However when Import the GCODE file it shows an extra 5 circular shapes

    I have pictures attached. I also tried using 2 different software to generate the DXF file
    and same results

    Any help would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1662

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Please post the gcode file. Zip it if necessary.
    One possibility is the arcs are in R format instead of I+J format.
    I+J is more reliable .
    Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.

  3. #3

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Hi, Here is the zipped file.
    Still trying to learn GCODE but I noticed it shows all the shaoes that are suppose to be there.
    I have compensation turned on, when I have it turned off it does the same thing.

    Thanks
    mike
    Attached Files Attached Files

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1662

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    To the best of my knowledge grbl doesn't understand G41 or G42.
    Try setting your software to not output G41/G42.
    Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.

  5. #5

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Mine CNC support G41/G42 etc, but result is same.
    Seem dxftogcode added an extra arc with inversed signs.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails SNAP.jpg  

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1662

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    disclaimer: I don't use dxf2gcode. I looked at it many years ago and found the output unreliable, but it's been revised many times since then.

    When CAM outputs G41/G42 the tool path is dependant on calling a diameter from a tool table. Otherwise the tool diameter will be zero and the part will be under/over size by the amount of the cutter radius. UGS should display an error when an unrecognised code is entered but it ignores them instead. I don't believe that's causing the phantom circles.

    My guess (and it is a guess) is instead of seeing a closed circle dxf2gcode is seeing an 359+ degree arc. For free CAD I've found QCad (community edition) to have the most reliable dxf output.
    Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.

  7. #7

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Thanks for everyone's help. I disabled cutter compensation and now I am not getting those "Phantom" circles.
    I am also looking for a DXF2GCODE alternative

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1662

    Re: Universal G-CODE sender (Visualizer) shows extra shapes

    Looking at a more recent (2017) release of dxf2gcode shows a lot of improvement from earlier versions. It still doesn't do basic 'mill things' like pocketing.

    I am also looking for a DXF2GCODE alternative
    Fusion 360 ?
    pros: Many tool path routines with fine tuning. Help and tutorials found everywhere. Free hobby version. Fairly intuitive for something this complex.
    cons: Software by subscription. Working off-line is possible for a few day stretches but it really is semi-cloud software. If CAD experience is limited the learning curve is a bit steep. Autodesk will do as they please, you don't own this software.
    Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.

  9. #9
    SheetCAM could be a good alternative.
    It is cheap and powerfully on 2.5d cam.

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