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Message |
    
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 06:05 pm: | 
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Hi all
As you might realize I’m Gerald_d’s son, Sean
I’m currently using CAD to draw my tool paths plus layout the profiles on the board/material. Then I use Vector to select my start position on the cutting job, connect all profiles with a safe height, then create code for my CNC machines. I’m wondering if there are guys that use Rhino or Cobalt CAD to prepare cutting files? What processes do you go through to make code?
I’m trying to better my method to try save time for me and my customers. Is there a program that will make the g code and make out job cards for my staff?I also would like to be able to open and use other format other than dxf or dwg. |
Gerald_D
Registered
Username: Gerald_d
Post Number: 1243
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 07:09 pm: |
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Hi Sean, fancy meeting you here! Welcome!
Just to make it clear for everyone else, Sean runs his own business www.camcraftsa.com fairly close to my current office. We mostly try to stay out of each other's hair as I have another company to run. Sean is the custodian of the big MechMate as well as a smaller ShopBot that has a MechMate gantry. His company has grown totally independent of the old man since it started in Jan 2001.
The CAD and VectorCAM date from the beginning, now he is looking for a more modern approach to running a job shop. |
David Rosenbleeth
Registered
Username: Dave_r
Post Number: 25
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 11:33 pm: |
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All right Gerald-Stop preening and let him do his thing!!!
Sean: The right software depends on what you are trying to cut out. Although the "old man" and I may disagree on this, If you are doing basic parts cut outs from sheets you can import many drawing types (dxf's dwg's AI's, etc) into the Artcam version of Part Wizard that exports g-code and toolpath there, and if you need to go more sophisticated in your toolpathing Artcam Insignia will do that. Both of them have the limitation of not doing 2.5D work except for a limited number of fonts. For truly sophisticated sculpture and "3-d" work Artcam Pro is the best there is, but unless you are going to use the design tools that you are paying a steep price for it is too much money. Lots of guys have appreciated greatly the tools in the V-carve line of software for an extremely reasonable price. All of the above include drawing, import, and cam output tools to, theoretically, operate as a stand alone package, however most of us end up using a combination of ingredients to accomplish many tasks. For example, the furniture I produce is fully drawn in a cad program (in our case it is autocad although many of the much less expensive versions, such as design cad are used by many successful shops)and the lines of the parts I want to cut out are imported into Partwizard by my floor "Van" and then cut out. This tells you nothing about Rhino Cad simply since the only direct knowledge I have of it is a friend who stopped using it forever once he bought Artcam Pro, but then he specializes in "3-d" carvings.
Dave |
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:39 am: |
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HAHA
Ok. If I wanted 1o discs from you, how would you go about it?
My process would be:
Layout discs on board, draw offsets for tool path and set depth eg -3 for 3mm MDF, save as a dxf and open it in Vector. Select the discs in order to which I want them cut. Then use “connect at z” command that will automatically insert, connect all tool paths at safe height. Then generate code.
Why I’m thinking of using Rhino Cad is because it’s half the price of AutoCAD, I would also be able to import a greater selection of file types, maybe when I’m bored make 3d models, and maybe RhinoCAM might have some uses to.
You mentioned importing AI into artcam. Do you use artcam to convert to a dxf then rework it in AutoCAD? |
Gerald_D
Registered
Username: Gerald_d
Post Number: 1246
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:54 am: |
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If you don't like the price of AutoCAD, I don't think you are going to like ArtCam either. Have you checked how the other CNC router guys around Cape Town do it? Or even the laser and plasma guys if you mostly work 2D? |
David Rosenbleeth
Registered
Username: Dave_r
Post Number: 26
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 12:33 pm: |
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If I am cutting something as straightforward as 10 round (or oval or rectangular shapes) I will do it all in Part Wizard. Place 1 disc, block copy, toolpath using "machine outside vectors", save as code, open operating software, cut. The complete toolpath is generating through a vector, bit type, material spec, etc. checklist menu that includes the z settings, speed of cut, and a return home at safe z height when you are done. If you are using SB code on the old machine and g code on the new one than you can save the artwork and generate either or both operating codes.
RE: AI to DXF through Artcam. That is doable. The AI files Artcam Pro recognizes are typically an older version and it is usually better to use EPS. Exporting Vectors as DXF's is immediate and easy.
With a very low priced cad program such as Design Cad and Artcam Insignia E you can do all the parts cutout work in the world with easy toolpathing, basic design tools, and lettering within your Cad/cam package. |
Evan Curtis
Registered
Username: Evan
Post Number: 20
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 09:25 pm: |
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TurboCAD is much less expensive than AutoCad, and the learning curve isn't as steep. How ever I have to admit I don't use it any more. I do most of my drawings in either Autocad or in Inventor(another AutoDesk product). SheetCam (actually I think the "old man" turned me onto it) is a great inexpensive 2.5 CAM program. It's being upgraded all the time and the upgrades are free. As to a program that will generate "job cards" or cut sheets or assembly sheets, I don't know of any programs other than high end cabinet programs that do this. Good Luck |
dneisler
Registered
Username: Dneisler
Post Number: 55
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 11:13 pm: |
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Alibre Express, Free, and a great program.
This is what I use, and no compliants so far. |
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 10:55 am: |
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Thanks guys. Keep sending your methodes. I need to find time to try and test these them though. |
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 11:06 am: |
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Lets change the profiles to mirror frames with 5x5mm rebates on 16mm MDF. And lets make them into 4 different sizes on 1 board.
How would you guys prepare your code. My methode is always the same.
I must say i know AutoCAD rather well, its just their pricing is over the top for multi users.
Has any one used Cobalt yet? |
ralph hampton
Registered
Username: Rhfurniture
Post Number: 40
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 02:22 pm: |
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Personally I work solely in Autocad (full). I draw, offset toolpaths, and have written a whole set of autolisp files that organise polylines and output sbp files. For G code there is Tahlcam, on which I based my methods.
Doesn't do it all for you, but as a user of Acad, it is dead quick, and so far totally accurate. Plus I can tweek/add new features as I go.
R. |
Pierre GRAND
Registered
Username: Grandpi
Post Number: 12
Registered: 03-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 10:01 pm: |
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An answer not completely linked with the purpose of this chapter....an artcam pro version 8.0 at 50$ sold on this store ?? It seems to be legal...!
http://oemsoftware.in/index.php?target=search |
David Rosenbleeth
Registered
Username: Dave_r
Post Number: 27
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 11:37 pm: |
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This is a crack site and it is NOT legal. |
Pierre GRAND
Registered
Username: Grandpi
Post Number: 13
Registered: 03-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 11:48 pm: |
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Thanks for your answer !!
Back to Vectric softwares...legally!!. |
David Rosenbleeth
Registered
Username: Dave_r
Post Number: 28
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 12:00 am: |
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You're welcome-I have a friend who messes with this kind of thing all the time-He told me that when you download from them there is a chance that they will enter your computer with the download and wreak havoc for "fun". Just going on their sites can be dangerous.
Best if you delete the link. |
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 06:33 am: |
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Hi
It seems to be that I’m on the right path by using AutoCAD. Maybe I must just bite the bullet and buy the new LT and annual subscription. Only problem is I’m wanting to employ an assistant which means I have to buy a second full package of LT and subs. Going to burn the pocket!
I must compare ARTcam, sheet cam, Vector and parts wizard. I don’t do 3D modelling do to lack of software skill but I have mastered 2.5D. I have considered in making foam blanks for surf boards etc. especially when im basically on the tip of Africa!
Out of interest what would AutoCAD 2008 LT cost in the States and in the UK? I have friends travelling to and from there. |
ralph hampton
Registered
Username: Rhfurniture
Post Number: 41
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 08:57 am: |
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Hi Sean,
Just to say that LT would not do what I do with Acad(full). There are add-ons that interpret lisp, but I do not know how well they work, and I suspect the add-ins like tahlcam up to microvellum use arx and other development routes.
My only advice would be that if you are fluent in a cad, it is a good place to start if you can see a good way forward.
I build parts as 3d models and extract machining data directly - no chance things won't fit.
I know Autodesk were doing some amazing promo upgrade offers for LT to full/mech/inventor packages - they tend to happen in the autumn during the quiet period in Autodesk's development cycle.
For UK prices look at:
http://www.cadpointdirect.co.uk/webstore/customer/home.php?cat=260
R. |
Dick van Randen
Registered
Username: Dvanr
Post Number: 33
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 05:28 am: |
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Take a look at
http://www.intellicad.org/members/products.php
I have been using the Intellicad product for two years now, and find it more than adequate. Uses the same keyboard/mouse interface as Autocad , covers drawing formats from r12 upto the latest Dwg formats and supports VBA and LISP. Have tried other cad programs but find the combination of keyboard and mouse commands to handy to give up. The full CADopia version (this is not a lite version of auto cad)is about 1/5th the cost of full AutoCad. |
Sean Dorrington
Registered
Username: Sean
Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 07:03 pm: |
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thanks guys
My mind has been off software the last 2 days. Just installed a Vacuum table on big Mechmate.
yippeeeeeee
may it solve many problems!!!! |
Steven Horrocks
Registered
Username: Carlmarxs
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 07:04 pm: |
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Hello.
Volvo View Express which can be downloaded for free is good
Volo View lets you open, view, mark up, measure, print, and plot AutoCAD files. Whether your data is on a network or on the Web, you can use Volo View without installing AutoCAD. You also can view Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop® 4.0 and AutoCAD Architectural Desktop™ 2.0 files. (To view these files, you must download object enablers).
Volo View lets you open the following types of AutoCAD files for viewing and markup.
DWG (the standard format for saving vector graphics from within AutoCAD)
DXF™ (an ASCII or binary version of an AutoCAD file)
DWF (a highly compressed format created from a DWG file)
You also can view and mark up raster images.
Inventor Files
Volo View lets you open, view, mark up, measure, and print the following types of Inventor 5 files.
IPT, or part file (stores a design component)
IAM, or assembly file (stores component relationships)
IDW, or drawing file (stores an Inventor drawing) |
General