AutoCad/G-Code question

[Fighter]

Hello,

I have been using AutoCad Mechanical 2004 to create three view drawings for parts that I need to make. I then write G-Code onto a legal pad from picking up ordinates from the drawing and then go to the machine and manually key in the G-Code, and it's starting to get old!

I use a three axis CNC knee mill, so the parts are not that complex.

The question is, if I was to use some sort of software to convert from the .dwg or .dxf file to G-Code, do I need to also switch to solid modeling software, or are there programs that can convert a three view drawing to G-Code?

I've never figured out where to even begin to make a 3D drawing using ACad.

Thanks!

[ger21]

The question is, if I was to use some sort of software to convert from the .dwg or .dxf file to G-Code, do I need to also switch to solid modeling software, or are there programs that can convert a three view drawing to G-Code?

2D is probably all you need. Generally you just use the top view.

[Fighter]

So basically I would still need to edit the part program to include the Z axis moves?

[judleroy]

With cam programming you set your values for z depth, rapid height, feed, etc... When the program outputs your code assuming you dont miss any steps you can just run with know editing for z or anything else. You should look into cam programs like bobcad or other similar low cost cam packages. It is pretty straight forward once you get a feel for this type of programming. As for 3d in autocad it is also pretty straight forward and most any question about how to get started in modeling is located in the help files. A lot of people on this forum are pretty down on autocad as a modeling program. I have used many cad programs including 3d studio and solidworks and feel I can model anything in autocad I can in those other programs. Good luck.
Judleroy

[Fighter]

Thanks for the help!

Any suggestions for decent CAM software?

I can't say that I've ever heard anything good about BobCad.

As you can tell, ease of use is a key factor...

[CNC Lurker]

Try CamBam Plus, you get 40 uses and then your limited to 500 lines. If you've been manually programming, then you probably haven't coded more than 500 lines so it would still work for you.

CamBam Plus LINK

I downloaded it yesterday but haven't tried importing .STL files, only 2D DXFs.

[Fighter]

CamBam+Cutviewer looks interresting...any comments on that?

Thank you all for the help!

It is greatly appreciated.

[Dennis Bohlke]

You might want to consider SuperCamXp.
https://www.super-tech.com/root/itm....itm-SuperCamXp

It works directly with DXF files. The machine follows the drawing with out having to putz with G-code files.

SuperCamXp works via the USB port via the USB CamPod which outputs step and direction signals through a parallel port connector.
https://www.super-tech.com/root/itm.asp?p1=itm-campod

The Demo Version of SuperCamXp will let you import DXF files and export G-code files. G-code files created are compatible with the Mach3 program.
https://www.super-tech.com/root/grp....uperCamXp-Demo

SuperCamXp is a CAD user interface directly to the attached machine. You can use the mouse or a joystick to move the machine around.

With SuperCamXp you can edit DXF files to make them better adapted to being used as tool paths. And there are layers too.

I wrote SuperCamXp because I wanted an easy way to go from drawings to machine movements. It makes it incredibly easy to go from idea to finished part, you end up drawing the tool path with ACAD and cutting with SuperCamXp. Can't get much easier than that.

Cheers

Dennis
Super Tech & Associates Main Web Home Page

[Fighter]

Hello Dennis,

It's not a Laptop controlled machine, as it has a four axis (three being used) controller on it. I just need a way to generate G-Code from a drawing and send it to my controller.

Thanks!