Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAD to CNC???

Hi Rich,
I am fairly new to this but have a strong 3d CAD background. I have a hobby
router, and I use Rhino 3D to model the parts if true 3D, and Freemill to make
the toolpaths direct from the 3d model. Freemill will also make toolpaths from
any .stl file. I would say that the toolpaths at this level are not optimised,
and a fancy 3d model with lots of detail would take a long time to machine. It
works great for basic 3d shapes, engraving, letter work etc. For 2 1/2d stuff,
I use gsimple which is also free. It has limited modelling capability but works
ok for your basic pockets and islands etc. Lots of folk use CamBam which I
believe also gives good results. Both these programmes would put out gcode which
you then run through Mach2 or Emc2, which would pass on the gcode to your cnc
machine. If it is high production you want, then you have to shell out the $ for
one of the many and confusing cam packages.

Regards, Brian



________________________________
From: "Armilite@..." <Armilite@...>
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, 28 June, 2011 17:45:07
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAD to CNC???


Hello:

If I had a Solidworks 3D Solid model part and wanted to have it CNC
machined.

What do I need to have for software to convert it to G code for a certain
CNC machine?

Does Mach3 open the Solidworks 3D Solid model directly and converts it, or
do I need to convert it to some other format?

What format is best to use, sld.prt, dxf, iges, dwg, etc?

Does MasterCam open Solidworks 3D Solid Models directly, or do they have to
be converted to something else to?

Just curious on the process.

Thanks
Rich

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