Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Current playing field

On 01/26/2016 07:54 AM, Lester Caine lester@...
[CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] wrote:

> I'm trying to review where we are today software wise and this seems
> like the best place to get a rounded response.
>

I have a copy of Bobcad/CAM V16.1, which is quite old. The
work I do doesn't really require CAD, as in drawings. So, I
have written a bunch of C programs that make optimized moves
for a number of shapes I need to do frequently (round
pockets, rectangular pockets, trepanning the above shapes,
and spotting, drilling and tapping an irregular list of hold
coordinates). These work great for me, and I make complex
instrument panels with dozens of cutouts this way. This is
all way faster than using a CAD package and then having to
fiddle with all the parameters to get the G-code.

I do use Bobcad sometimes to make drawings,

I run LinuxCNC on my mills with servo motors. My Bridgeport
has been running a succession of versions of EMC, EMC2 and
LinuxCNC since 1998.

LinuxCNC does have a special, real-time version of Classic
Ladder, for general automation tasks. If you JUST need that
ladder logic stuff, you can use the stock Classic Ladder.
Or, you can use HAL plus Classic Ladder WITHOUT the G-code
part of LinuxCNC. People have set up beer brewing rigs and
heat treat furnaces this way.

Jon