Hi there,

Firstly, I don't have any experience with Gcode and don't have a CNC machine (hopefully this will change in the near future...).

I have got the parametric equations for a shape that I would like to machine. I have used Excel to work out some points on this curve (720 to be exact). So now I have got 720 different (x,y) coordinates and all I really need to know is if it is possible to turn these into some nice Gcode that will make my shape?

Any thuoghts on this?

Regards
Warren

Yes, it can be done, I've done it (BTW Excel can do 2d CNC simulation too, using a graph). You just have to add G & M commands to the coordinates you have, along with feeds etc. I guess since you have calculated distinctive points on the curves you'll be using G01 most of the time.

Excel is great for hand coding G code. You can use the auto fill function for generating line numbers, or filling a whole column with G's.

Here's a simple excel formula example. If you can program in VBA, you can create all kinds of automated G code routines.

Let's say you want the G gode in column A, X coordinates are in column B, Y in C.

Put this formula in A1
="G01X"&B1&"Y"&"C1"&"F300"

copy this down the length of the list and manually add a "M02" at the end.

There is a little more set up than this, you have to add some commands specific to your machine, but its pretty easy.

I would then copy column A and "paste special" values to get just leave the data. Delete colums B and C, then save out as a text file.

I'd put spaces before the X,Y,C and F, to make it a little more readable. jmo

="G01 X"&B1&" Y"&" C1"&" F300"

Thanks everyone - it worked.

I used Excel with the line you suggested, generated some G-code and stuck it into CutViewer. I was shocked - the exact shape appeared in front of me - WOW!!! I also added in some z axis movements to make it a bit more exciting.

I have downloaded TurboCNC. I have seen that the help file has a list of g and m codes. Would this be a good place to learn all the other functions of gcode? Where has everyone else learnt about it? I think I kind of know the basics now though...

Thanks again

Regards
Warren

http://www.betatechnical.com/autonc.htm

You might want to download the Mach2 manual from http://www.artofcnc.ca
Lots of info in there.