Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] G-Code Arc drawing question

Hi Dan,

Offhand, I think that with Vector CAD/CAM you could break the arc's into
as many cords as you want, and then replace the now tiny arc's with line
segments. I suspect you just select the arc, break it, then add points
to each now selected "tiny arc", delete the tiny arcs, and connect the
dots with tiny line segments. Much harder to explain then do! OK, I
just did it in about a minute. Could even be an easier way (Fred?)!

I'd post this question to the Vector Forum (very helpful) and Fred or
another forum member will jump on it!

BobCad might have something similar, but I recommend Vector CAD/CAM!
And I know you won't get the same support from BobCad.

HTH

Alan KM6VV
Nope, not affiliated with Vector!

Dan Statman wrote:

>
> I have a somewhat unique situation, atleast I think it is unique. I am
> currently running a 3-axis Sherline converted mill. I have connected the
> Y-axis stepper motors to a vertically mounted ratoary table, and I do not
> have a stepper motor connected to the linear (normal) Y-axis.
>
> I have just started writing G-Code programs and I do not have a CAD program
> yet (probably will buy BobCAD this wek). I create my G-Code files in
> Microsoft Excel since I am only created engraving patterns utilizing
> functional realtionships between X and Y coordinates.
>
> Since I am doing it this was all of my curved cuts are preformed as a series
> of finally divided straight line segments, which is really convenient. I
> then rescale my Y-axis data points to place them on a 360 degree rotation
> path (since my Y-axis is the rotary table). I am controlling the mill with
> TurboCNC configured for a rotary axis as the Y-axis.
>
> Here is my problem (finally!):
>
> When I try out all of the demo versions of the CAD programs and I draw
> circles and curves, it always converts them to the G-Code for cutting arcs
> (makes sense). Is there a way to tell the Cad program to break the arcs up
> into tiny line segments so that I get the G01 output (many lines) instead of
> G03 (or whatever the arc code is)? The arc cutting does not work when the
> Y-axis is scaled from 0 to 360 degrees and the x-axis of the part is scaled
> from 0 to 0.100"
>
> Does this make any sense, and can anyone help me.
>
> I need to keep the Y-axis as an angular axis since then I do not have to
> change any of the code (or configuration settings) for different outer
> diameter rings that I make with the same patterns.
>
> Thanks for any and all suggestions,
>
> Daniel J. Statman, Statman Designs
> www.statmandesigns.com
>
> If interested, check out the Celtic knot patterns at the bottom of my
> website homepage.