Re: Beginners Question - milling procedures

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Mark Taft <mark.taft@m...> wrote:

> I am already an AutoCAD expert in 2 and 3 D.
>
> I have experimented with Master 5 and Kcam.
>
> The both seem excellent packages and can both convert my AutoCAD R14
> drawings to Gcode without any problems.
>
>
> My question relates to the process of how you use the generated

Gcode. :-

>
> Do you have to edit the Gcode manually to allow for cutter widths

and edges

> etc ?
>

Mark, congratulations you have just crossed the boundary between
beginner and user. It's not until you make your first part and
realize that it is a different size from the one you planned that you
have "arrived".

The distance between the part drawing and the tool path is called a
tool offset. It can be done easily in 2 axis contours very easily.
We have a group "near givaway" version of VectorCad that is very good
at this function. It also can add simple things like save approach
and retract, and retain your order and direction selections for
control of the cutting order within a DXF file or HPGL plotter file.

If you want to avoid having to edit G-code, you may be interested in
VectorCam which also has a very substantial group discount. It
produces G-code directly from your drawings without having to go
through a translation from DXF to G-code. As in the Cad part,
VectorCAM allows you to have complete control over direction and
order of cut. The VectorCam and VectorCad are internal functions of
an integrated program with direct generation of G-code from drawings.

If your Cad system can produce 3D files such as DXF 3D face or STL
files, StlWork will automatically compensate for your tool in 3D.
This kind of cutting generates large files with tiny moves and
StlWork has some features that reduce the number of commands and
moves required for the same resulting surface. StlWork is a stand
alone 3D CAM only program. A lite versin is available to group
members for less than $200.

Lastly VectorCam is now available with a NURBS based Surfacing module
that can import IGES files or design 3D surfaces and develop offset
compensated toolpaths and G-code. This is an optional add on to
Vector and is useful for both 3D and 2D work.

The group discount links are at:

http://www.imsrv.com/2002group.html


Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService

We are THE source for low cost Cad Cam