Re: EMC and Taig w/ MicroProto and DeskCNC

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Stephen Wille Padnos
<spadnos@...> wrote:

>

> > And I guess DeskCNC is also a kind of CAD CAM software
> >because you can write G-code in it, thus designing a part to be
> >machined. Of course it would have to be something simple,
> >especially for me.
> >
> >
> Unless there's a text editor, I don't think you can do CAD/CAM

with

> DeskCNC. I know it can load bitmap or DXF files, and directly

machine

> them based on some parameters you supply. I don't know what

facilities

> there are in DeskCNC for creating pockets and the like.

Besides a 4 axis machine controller capable of 125,000 steps per
second, DeskCNC has built in CAM functions and an editor. The
program was designed to isolate the user from g-code as much as
posible and so many users never even see the g-code from the CNC
programs they run.

The DeskCNC process is usually to create toolpaths, then machine the
part. The "create toolpaths" shows a visual representation ( 2d or
3d) of the tool motion and create the entire g-code program.
The "machine the part" includes saving the g-code text file and
switching to Machine controller mode if the controller is attached,
or to the NC editor if not. The editor is a toolpath simulator with
functions such as renumbering find and replace, block by block
processing and automatic backplotting and syntax checking.

The processes available for DXF file processing are pocketing,
drilling and contouring. Available parameters are tool size and
shape, offset side, feeds adn speeds, depth of cut, stock to leave
stepovers, finish and roughing passes, etc. Just like a real cam
system ( heh heh ). DeskCNC can also contour machine or pocket
trutype font text strings in linear or circular patterns. There is
a special function for creating 4 axis foam cutting toolpaths with
direct support for x-y-u-v toolpaths in the controller.

In addition to processing DXF files, DeskCNC can also create 3D
surface machining toolpaths, properly compensating for various tool
shapes and rotary axis ( like rings) toolpaths from .STL models.
Image files can be traced in 2D or converted to 3D height field
toolpaths. The traced files can be saved as DXf for further
processing with contouring and pocketing. Other file types which
can also be processed into CNC toolpaths, include gerber and
excellon for pcb routing, milling and drilling, hpgl plot files, and
point clouds.

The G-code is compatible with RS-274NGC, with some added extensions.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.cm/hobby