re:software(cnc dxf editing)
Posted by
ballendo@y...
on 2000-10-13 17:20:51 UTC
Chris wrote:Which of the CNC programs allow you to edit the cut lines
That's a good question! And one not so easy to answer, unless taken
VERY literally, so that's what I'll do first.
Of the CNC programs(referred to by this list) I'm familiar with(and
which import DXF) only Flashcut allows the DIRECT editing of the "cut
lines". This is based on doing it in ONE pkg, and you will STILL be
editing the Gcode RESULT, not the DXF.
However:
Nearly ALL of the CNC program COMBINATIONS used here will allow the
editing of "cut lines". It just happens at different points in the
process. A few examples:
Deskam imports DXF directly and allows you to re-order the cut
sequence, which is then "converted into Gcode for use in a CNC
control. Carkens' own DeskNC, for example.
AceConverter(Yeager automation) Directly imports DXF, optimises the
cut path, and outputs g code. This would then be edit-able with the
CNC control(or a text or gcode editor) by someone familiar with
gcode. (but not at the dxf import level)
MaxNC would be similar.
What makes the question difficult is the "blurring of the edges" of
the 3 basic processes we use to get from ART to PART. 1.CAD(draw it)
2.CAM(toolpath) 3.CNC(cut it)
Since the different tools(software) available to us break these three
functions along different lines according to the "viewpoint and
abilities" of the programmer(the "blurring" I spoke of), it is hard
to say this one does, this one doesn't.
ALL gcode is edit-able.
MOST CAD pkgs can be "learned"(as to the way they create files) so
that by changing the way/order you draw,the CAD creates the dxf in
the order you want.
SOME CNC controls include editors, so you can "tweak" the cut lines
at the machine.
Hope this helps.
Ballendo
>after you have imported the dxf file.Chris,
That's a good question! And one not so easy to answer, unless taken
VERY literally, so that's what I'll do first.
Of the CNC programs(referred to by this list) I'm familiar with(and
which import DXF) only Flashcut allows the DIRECT editing of the "cut
lines". This is based on doing it in ONE pkg, and you will STILL be
editing the Gcode RESULT, not the DXF.
However:
Nearly ALL of the CNC program COMBINATIONS used here will allow the
editing of "cut lines". It just happens at different points in the
process. A few examples:
Deskam imports DXF directly and allows you to re-order the cut
sequence, which is then "converted into Gcode for use in a CNC
control. Carkens' own DeskNC, for example.
AceConverter(Yeager automation) Directly imports DXF, optimises the
cut path, and outputs g code. This would then be edit-able with the
CNC control(or a text or gcode editor) by someone familiar with
gcode. (but not at the dxf import level)
MaxNC would be similar.
What makes the question difficult is the "blurring of the edges" of
the 3 basic processes we use to get from ART to PART. 1.CAD(draw it)
2.CAM(toolpath) 3.CNC(cut it)
Since the different tools(software) available to us break these three
functions along different lines according to the "viewpoint and
abilities" of the programmer(the "blurring" I spoke of), it is hard
to say this one does, this one doesn't.
ALL gcode is edit-able.
MOST CAD pkgs can be "learned"(as to the way they create files) so
that by changing the way/order you draw,the CAD creates the dxf in
the order you want.
SOME CNC controls include editors, so you can "tweak" the cut lines
at the machine.
Hope this helps.
Ballendo