Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: hpgl code and plotters

Chris,

As I recall, DesignCAD V5.0 (c.1991) directly output HPGL code suitable for
a plotter (I used a 7475 B-sized plotter), and it had a feature to allow
"re-ordering" the line-work to allow for faster execution. (Back then, D.C.
used to include about 100 or so different drivers for various printers,
plotters, etc). I think some people simulated 3-D CAM by calling out the
(then 64) different layers as machining planes. I myself only used it as
a plotter. By the way, on one of the threads, someone was looking for info
in HI (Houston Instruments) plotters. I have a DMP-161 (D-size, 8-pen).
I'll be glad to share any "legit" info, if they'll contact me off-line.
BTW, DesignCAD would also output directly to varoius vinyl-cutter machines,

Ray Heckert jnr@antigopro,net

----------

>>Ballendo:
> > Different customers; different tools. And toolpath order is generally
> > taken care of by the engraver or vinyl cutter internal s/w.
>
>Chris:
>
> Whoooaa thar ! "Toolpath order - taken care of by the engraver/vinyl
> INTERNAL s/w" ??
>
> This I never saw. I never had any machine that anylized the code and

changed

> it for a particular "order" based on some controller setting. I think

that

> would be near impossible unless the Controller itself was a PC with a

drawing

> interface.
>
> The Originating program *dictates* the entire cutting order ! The machine

one

> runs the code on only runs the items as it comes.
>
> When you draw something in Corel, that IS the order it will Export the

hpgl

> code. You can make minor changes in Corel by "changing" the "home and

End"

> nodes for direction of cut, but you can not "reorder" anything unless you
> re-draw it in the order you want it to cut. The machine itself lets you

do

> nothing. This is different than some DXF imports (FlashCut for one) which
> does have some routines for setting cutting Order upon code Import. This

is

> done often for plasma and torch use.
>