Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAM to CNC interface?

Basically, there's a lot more to a CNC than just servos. First, you need to
use MasterCAM to turn your CAD files into G-code, which is directly
interpretable by a g-code interpreter. Among the best known are Mach 3,
which runs on Windows XP, and EMC2, an open source system that runs on
Ubuntu Linux. These in turn output signals through (usually) a parallel
port to a breakout board, which feeds the individual signals to the various
servo drives. Depending on your setup, you might also need home and limit
switches, spindle control equipment, and various accessories.
It sounds like you have been acquiring surplus equipment for your setup for
quite a while, but you may find that a set of motors and drives that are
identical will be much easier to configure and tune. Many different options
are available, but many people have had great success with the Geckodrive
units.
Hope this helps
Michael

On Jan 31, 2008 8:30 PM, you get one guess <davidbranscomb@...> wrote:

> I am trying to convert a mini mill to a CNC machine with accumulated
> surplus parts. Basically 3 different servo motors from different
> manufacturs all of which have adequate torque and encoder resolution.
> Each servo drive can be configured to operate in torque mode. In other
> words a +-10VDC signal can control the motors.
>
> I have access to MasterCamX
>
> How do I go from 3D CAD files to corresponding servo input signals? Is
> it possible to go directly from MasterCamX to servo motors?
> What if any interface is needed?
>
> Thanks in advance for any insights.
>
>
>


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