Hey everyone, I made a part for my Brother's Rc Car, it's intended too be milled from Aluminum. Anyway, So I made my part, all the dimensions and specifications are right. This may sound so NOOBY, but how do I set that part up in PTC/Pro Eng so that MACH 3 knows what to do.

The programs should know the basics of the part, do I need to write my own G-code? Sounds like it would take forever (lol-5000+ lines) No but seriously, I want my part to be machined on my CNC. So how do i get this started.

-Jason

Anyone willing to help...:)

-Speed

Pro/NC is pretty lousy for a newcomer, even if you are experienced in Pro/E.

Suggest that you export the file as a step/iges, and import into your current CAM software.

What is some good Cam software that is not only good, easy to use but not very heavy on the wallet :)

Thank you for helping.

-Jason

VisualMill or Vectric Cut3D.... Both Nice softwares

Ohh MeshCAM... Nice and low cost.. Contact Robert, www.grzsoftware.com

Hi Jason,

Sounds like an interesting project and we have customers using the Vectric software for RC components. If you could let us have more details or a picture showing what the part looks like we can tell you how best to machine it.

Many of the components used on rc models tend to be 2D shapes that are easier and fster to cut than 3D parts.

Tony

Thanks for the responses guys, I will look into the software.

Tony- I know that this may be a tough first part, I plan on making it. But I first want to generate this G-Codes so i can get a basics on cutting. I plan on making a simple part such as a little square with arcs and maybe a pocket, just to get a feel. But first i need software thats a little more user friendly then Pro/Eng.

Heres a picture:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/SpeedsCustom/Arm.jpg

-Jason

Hi Jason,

Interesting part that on the surface looks like an easy 2D project but the round location features on the front plus the lug on the top surface turn it into a more challenging piece. If the component needs t obe machined from a solid piece of material then it will need some pretty advanced CAM software. If the component can be profiled and maybe the top lug added as a separate piece then the 2D machining options in most 2D machining software will do the job.

If you have the DXF for the plan view of the component we can send you the GCode to test the machine etc. and I would expect this type of shape to take only a few minutes to cut out.

I hope this helps,

Tony

I plan on cutting it as a solid. Those components can't be attached later. I will try to get the file into DXF, with your helping it will greatly be appreciated.

-Jason

That part is not too hard to make in any cam software. You need to make the bosses square with an end mill. Next use a corner rounding end mill to make the rounds. You will have to mess with them to get a good blend. I would use a trajectory sequence to do the rounds. That part is a pretty simple three axis part. If you have proman you can do this part. All software has a learning curve. If you allready have proman to use why buy another program? If you make a change in the model "modify" a feature, all you have to do is regenerate the manufacturing model and its done. If you do an "IGES" or another format, you will have to do the program all over again.

Interesting idea but Looking at the design I would guess the outside edge can be machined this way as it's a half-round, but the inner curve is not a complete rounded edge. The bottom edge of cutter would need to be ground 'back' - shorter so it only cuts the top half of the round - as shown in the image below.

I hope this makes sense.

Tony

Forget about it. Just give your brother a handsaw, a file and sandpaper.
He will make it by lunch time.

:D

You could "surface" mill it with a ball end mill if you don't want to change the design? If you did it that way you could put a radius in the corners? Is this an a arm?

Yes, this is an Arm for an HPI Savage.

I have been reading the posts, so the posts are helpful.

-Jason

I would model radii into the round bosses then use a ball end mill to surface them. This will make them stronger. I can help you with the model and or program. I am on proe/ proman everyday.