Re: Gcode optimization (rethinking>>>)

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Mark <mfraser@h...> wrote:

> Think again about corel and DXF exports. ACE Converter from Yeager
> does a wonderful job of optimization, starting with even line

segments.

> Allows you to specify the error in a segmented (exploded) line

path,

> and stays on the job to execute.
>
> There was a troublesome Harley Davidson logo that produced fits in
> another program, but which executed about 10x as fast when ACE

generated

> the gcode.
>

So, if I build a DXF file and export it, then does Ace Converter just
give g-code or will it reformat the DXF file (optimize it) so I could
import it into my CAM program? I am trying not to be hard-headed
about this, but the CAM program I use allows me to quickly build a
visual model of the object, define feeds and speeds, and visually
make rapid modifications. I hate to give all that up. The one thing
it lacks is a toolpath optimizer (at least my older version). I have
other programs that do have optimizers but they fall way short on the
other end of ease-of-use and rapid design with 3D visual confirmation.
Most of them apply the optimizer during the post process.

Maybe I need to take this to the other side of the equation. Does
anybody know of a DXF object optimizer? How about a CAM program that
will read a DXF, put it on screen and allow you to select groups of
objects to reorder? Worst case I will have to go back to the
original and as one member suggested, trace on a different layer in
the order I want to cut and then throw the base layer away. Now that
I know about this problem I can nip it during the design phase. When
you take vector art from external sources and use it to build complex
objects you are at the mercy of how the original artist decided to
construct it.

I'm just surprised that someone hasn't made available a low cost g-
code optimizer since in the final circumstance everything spits out g-
code: the lowest common denominator.