Re: What do we want?

Bertho Boman wrote:

>
> From: Bertho Boman <boman@...>
>
> I see many comments and requests for CAD being integrated with the "CNC" or "CAM". Maybe my definitions are not well defined
> and I guess it depends on goals and how we work.

Hello All,

Well my goals have budget related restrictions and
I am just using a home built carriage using a
MaxNC motion control kit for routing. I will have
to stick with a hacked up process for awhile. I am
stuck in Windows / DOS for an OS right now. I have
the drawing app, (in WIN95) converting and
verifying (in DOS window) and run the machine in
booted DOS, or, disk or COM the file to a 486 for
running the machine.
I use MGX Windows Draw for my CAD app and save as
DXF. Not much in the Z Axis department though
layers may be used for that later. I have ACLT 97
at work, but I see the prints to make parts more
than draw them.
As far as DXF conversion:
I have yet to get any DXF converted from ACLT 97.
I use the MaxNC MILL program and a BASIC extractor
program (( using information from ACads tech sheet
of the DXF spec )) that outputs the 2D
information. I use the MaxNC PLOT program to
visually confirm cuts in a G code file.
I am working when possible to get to the 3D type
files stage.
To do TTF text I have a lot of editing in the CAD
stage
and excess Z Axis moves to work out. I am working
on a web page showing some G code examples and
finished cuts. I will also want to show some of
the Basic I am working on in the future. I have
about $400.00 in hardware and software this way,
but , a lot more effort before cutting.
I have some 3D DXF files, but have not been able
to get any of them extracted to G Code. I use them
in a 3D modeling package called Visual Reality.
This package only exports DXF in it's TTF 3D text
builder, the other modules import only.

Does anyone have more insight on 2D or 3D DXF
conversion to G-code.
I also feel the need to broaden the use
of NC code use as stated by others. All things
considered, a do all program is not feasible for
everything that can be done with PC control of
machines. I am woking on a program for simple path
definition and other simple stuff. Some of this
may be used for an armitron type control or
animatics. I have a Basic "joystick to motor"
program somewhere in archives I can dig out if
needed also.


I guess what I am saying is I have an idea about
what is needed for a public DXF conversion program
but not a clue as to how to build a verifier and
the port of code to Linux. Even BASIC programming
hurts my brain at times.
BTW-- The ACad DXF Spec file has a few lines of
code for procedures in making a DXF file.


Robert Ash
NDBGA / JOAT
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