[Robot Dude]

I just ordered my K2 2525 it's coming with Mach3. I need some ideas on converting cad files to G-code. I'm only routing shapes from sheets of plastic, no 3D requirements. Can anyone help me decide what will work for my needs. I have Alibre and will probably use it to create the parts, but all of my originals were done in CorelDRAW V8. Thanks, Jim

[ger21]

ACE converter at www.dakeng.com

Or G Simple
http://www.gsimple.eu/index.html

[Robot Dude]

ACE converter at www.dakeng.com

Or G Simple
http://www.gsimple.eu/index.html

Hi ger21,

I downloaded gsimple and am trying to digest it. I'm only interested in routing shapes from plastic. I'm going to be using a 0.094 single flute micro100 bit. I'm so lost. I can see how lots of cool machining operations can be accomplished, but I don't see how this can convert a DXF drawing to G-code of routing the shapes. The part where it draws lines around an abject spaced away from the object where the distance is the radius of the cutting tool. Can it do that? I know I have a lot to learn, but if the program won't do it I'm spinning my wheels. Please help. Thanks, Jim

[ger21]

Never used it, so I don't know. But typically with free programs, you'll need to do the offset yourself in the CAD program. The center of the tool will usually follow the line in the .dxf.

[Robot Dude]

I found this real gem.

CUT2D by Vectric, www.vectric.com

It's perfect for my needs. It can load a DXF and it does the machine tool offset for you. Really nice 3D display as well. Cost, $149.00!!!