Re: CAD software

>--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "C.S. Mo" <cs@v...> wrote:
> Has anyone tried the demo version of their CAM software? I can't
>figure
> out how to import a file - I just want to try some 2.5D milling, but
> everything I've tried to import, I get a response: "The drawing
>does not
> contain any geometry that can be imported." I've tried half a dozen
> different DXF files...
>
> They appear to have a package with Mach2 now - which looks like it
>would
> be pretty nice (do you get a discount if you already own Mach2?) if
>I
> could figure out how to use DXF files...
>
> --C.S.
>

I don't have the demo, onl the full version but I'll take a stab at
this.
"The drawing does not contain any geometry that can be imported."
means that no contours have been specified.
It's possible in Dolphin to cut just what you need and in what order
and what way.
Start off with a blank drawing, select import and load your file in.
That much it sounds like you are able to do.
We will assume your dxf contains the outside shape of the part, a
circular pocket and a rectangular pocket.
On the lefthand tool bar select the red button 1/2 way down that says
NC and a small toolbar opens up. In that small toolbar select
contour, second down. Click on your outside shape where you want to
start [ pays to have near snap on for this, 2nd down on snap toolbar ]
A dialog box will open, make sure that closed shape is selected and
then either give it a name or allow it to use the default name. Set
the Z surface at 0.0 and set the depth to whatever your shape is lets
say 0.250" then click OK. The command line at the bottom will prompt
you for the next move which will be to click on the outside shape
just next to your start point in the direction you want to go.
Don't worry to much about start points and directons as these can be
edited at the click of a button at any time later.
The contour will now show up as a bold outline. Do the same with the
rectangle and the same with the circle but with the circle you have a
circle command button which is 4th down on the toolbar.
save the drawing and when you go into the cam side it will only
import the contours you have selected.

At anytime in the CAM side you can alter the start point, end point,
depth and direction of cut. Once in the CAM side you will not have to
touch this CAD drawing again if the drawing is correct.
When everything is to your liking after running it on the screen and
ONLY THEN will the program generate the code. Even then if you have
made a mistake, go back to the CAM , alter the details in the dialog
boxes and re-run the code.
This is Dolphins main strength, that of only generating a finished
code with no editing.

John S.