hello
i have already build my first cnc machine, now i am trying to build a foam cutter but i have many question unanswerd

1. what is the software to handle 4axis foam cutter? any open soruce there ?
2. will the software control the machine direclty or it produce g-code and other program do it ?
3. will the software handle gearing and so on , on the motor side, or it has to be direct drive ?
4. any foam cutting plans or kits out there that looks proffisional when done ?

thanks for your time

Deskcnc for g code and running the motors but you will hook up their controller for step and direction signal output. 5v power to this tiny board. we use it on our commercial machines and have good luck
astatue.com

http://fcut.sf.net has some simple foam cutting software. It assumes you have an MM2001 style interface though (the Auto heat and Timer board from hobbycnc will do it).

All these questions need more DEPTH? Like why a wire? Do you want to spend money, How much? Detail? How good of graphics in the software? All machine controllers recognize a dwell, there for you can pre-heat your wire or what ever. Review the M-codes for dwell, and to turn the wire on and off (M3,M8) you can change the .cbk file in the machine controller to SAY what ever you want it to...

Check out Camsoft for your machine controller software, and hardware. I use them and I love it, and the people are wonderful..
Also check out lowcostcncretrofits.com too, I like the way there site looks, I have never talked to anyone there.. They did have a KIT with alll you need for wire cutting foam..
By the way to do a good job, and have the wire last you for a very long time you will want to invest in inconel wire.. It is the metal normally used for this application due to it's heat qualities. I use inconel to hold my kiln fiber in place, my kiln during a cycle will reach temps over 1818F (^06). I have to replace the incone one time eever five years...

I hope this will help you..

Later PC

Open source code is ok for those who have lots of time to investigate he needs they will require for 4 axis cutting and interpretation of 2 seperate profiles to be timed together. As far as cam and cnc together... What do you want? they both exist. You can spend from 35.00 to over 1000.00-10,000 and it seems that at a point of diminishing return you don't get always what you pay for. I have found some gems from 100.00 to 300.00 or so.

Run "directly from the same program" at low pricing tends to be very specific as to application. wing cutting programs cut wings well but not much else. most I have sampled have been crippled by the amounts of points you can program especially at the lower pricing. but over 100.00 they tend to no longer restrict your quantity of points and become more true machining programs.

Gearing is a mechanical issue and will only affect the quantity of steps per inch of travel for each axis and should be able to be changed in your software solution or get other software.

Define "professional" If you mean smooth even cuts that dont chatter and cut with accuracy then look at your wire heat, material, and mechanics of your system. If the heat is high then you get pimples, If your heat is low the you drag the wire. If you chatter then check the moisture content of your foam or the rigidity of your set up.


Visit www.deskcnc.com for a 300.00 or so solution for cam and cnc software.

Good and complete reply Scott,
But I am committed to Mach3, Sheetcam and Bob Campbells B/O/B because I use it for all my other machines I build. (Okasma router etc)

I have a request to do tapered profiles on hot wire. (Not airfoils)
The owner manufactures styrene and has built jis own 3d cnc machines but has asked me to look into ..like cutting a tapered gear profile, which they later use for foundry patterns.

I am searching to find a program that will allow me to do this using my existing off the shelf package (mach 3 etc).

I dont want it free, and I dont want to go a new DeskCNC route. Been to theier site)

any suggestions?

I bought Bobwire to try with my hotwire. I haven't built my machine yet, so I may have put the cart before the horse. Bobwire is made for EDM machining that uses 4 axis just like hotwire. If any one knows if this will work, let us know

onthemarc

No one is loking for a change trust me. but you don't need to use Deskcnc as a control program just use it as a cam program to make tool paths for running on mach 1-3 etc, turbo cnc, or any other cnc program. 30 day free trial that is not crippled by numbers of lines it will generate or not save a toolpath like other (bobcad wire) trial programs do on their trial period. USE IT. if you like it it is about $300.00 I like it. you might too. maybe not but all you will loose is a couple of minutes to try.

Scott

Ok Scott :)
Wow! You sound like you shoould own DeskCNC

I had a rsponce from them as well.
Ok, I am going to risk switching on the power and try the program.
Hell, I am 54 years old and technically impaired.
If something makes smoke? Ill ask my kids to repair it :~)
Thanks for the reply dude!
Regards,
Peter
South Africa