I am trying to figure out what software to use.
I need something that can accept CAD files.
Price is always a concern, but am willing to look at anything.

What software/contoller is recommended

Thanks

Mach3 to control the machine. Vectric's Cut2D or SheetCAM to create g-code.

After looking at Mach3 from artsoft website, it appears that Mach3 will convert CAD files to g-code. So is Cut2D or SheetCam needed. I am probably missing something. Thanks for the help

Hi,

I really like emc2 (free) which runs on Ubuntu Linux (free). www.linuxcnc.org (http://www.linuxcnc.org)

I still have NCPlot2 (Windows) to convert DXF files to gcode as well as VCarve (Windows) but I have created a couple of starter files for my router and my lathe that allow me to program most parts by hand with only a few lines of gcode having to be written.

You can also get QCAD to run on Linux, Mac or Windows. It is available as a free demo and a licensed copy is only 35-40 dollars. And there is a program ACE converter that is free to convert DXF to gcode (I have never used it).

Alan

After looking at Mach3 from artsoft website, it appears that Mach3 will convert CAD files to g-code. So is Cut2D or SheetCam needed. I am probably missing something. Thanks for the help


Mach3 comes with lazyCAM, but it's an additional $50 I think for the license to use it for more than 50 lines of code. Imo, Cut2D and SheetCAM are more powerful and easier to use.

There is another option, the combining a CAD interface with the machine control.

This is done in the SuperCamXp program.
http://www.super-tech.com/root/itm.asp?p1=itm-supercamxp

This is an alternative to the conventional methods of machine control, in that the use of G-code files can be completely circumvented.

To my knowledge there is no other program available that uses this method of human to machine interface.

SuperCamXp has built in fonts, which makes it easy for engraving.

Essentially you can draw and cut.

BMP, DXF, HPGL and G&M Code Files can be also imported.

Imported drawings can be edited to make them suitable for machine tool paths.

SuperCamXp only works with the USB CamPod, which is a USB to Parallel Port Connector converter box with built in microprocessor for generating the step and direction signals.

Dennis
http://www.super-tech.com