Re: 1st of many home-built CNC

>----- Original Message -----
>From: Joe Vicars
>To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@onelist.com
>Sent: Monday, January 31, 2000 10:31 AM
>Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] 1st of many home-built CNC
>
> I am building a 2 axis (rotary/linear) plasma cutter.

Joe- are you going to do rotary axis work with your plasma cutter? Or are
you saying that you are planning to cut lines and arcs as part of your
geometry?

>But DanCad will not let me import the complex toolpaths I need to get the

desired results. (getting from .dxf to G-Code

Vector or Bobcad can both produce complex toolpaths from dxf files, they can
also draw the original shapes and generate the required G-code. Either can
easily generate an offset curve to the outside or inside of the lines to
compensate for the width of the cut of the plasma "flame"? What do you call
that anyway? Plasmatic phenomenon. I know there's a term, kerf?

Vector can probably lend itself a little more to the automation of the
process by generating plasma on/off automatically, automatic teardrop
approach and depart, as well as automatically comping for cut width with
G41/42. There is also a basic stack function that automatically lays out a
flat sheet with margins between parts/groups of parts and around the
outside. "the poor man's nester".


Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService

imserv@...
Phone: 248-486-3600 or 800-386-1670
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