Cutter Compensation?

[Joe Petro]

I am considering buying AutoCad LT, I currently use TurboCad.
Is cutter compensation available in LT? Is there an add on or plug in for this?

TC does everything I need, except cutter comp.

Anyone?


Thanks,

Joe Petro

[ger21]

Cutter compensation is a CAM function, not a CAD function. You won't find it in any CAD programs. If you know TurboCAD, don't waste the money on LT. Depending on which version of TurboCAD you have, you'll probably be able to do less with AutoCAD LT, because it doesn't have any 3D.

[Joe Petro]

Thanks for the reply.

So, what are my options for CC?
If I want to keep TurboCAD and TurboCNC?
Run it through SheetCAM or something?
Replace TurboCNC with something else?

Is there an inexpensive way to get CC, other than calculating it?

Thanks,
Joe Petro

[ger21]

The easiest way to do it is use TurboCAD's offset command (or whatever it's called) and offset you part drawing by the tools radius. That's what Cutter radius compensation does. SheetCAM will do this automatically for you.


Another option is to use G41 and/or G42 and let the control software do the compensation for you. It can be a little tricky to get the hang of it, as a lead-in move (and sometimes lead-out) is usually required. Unfortunately, TurboCNC doesn't currently support G41/G42, so you'd have to switch to software that does, like Mach3. Mach3 has a new .dxf converter program called LazyCAM that will be able to add the Comp code in the near future. It will also add the lead in moves, so you can just draw your part outline in TUrboCAD and let LazyCAM do the rest. The first beta was just released Saturday, so it's a little buggy. But it should be great in a very short time, and it's free with Mach3. Which is free itself for up to 1000 lines of g-code. www.artofcnc.ca

[Joe Petro]

LazyCAM- That's me!
Awesome stuff!
Thanks Gerry...

Joe Petro

[WhiteTiger]

Ger is right about TurboCAD. Just use the offset command (it's in the edit menu, same place as the mirror tool). You can make a toolpath with it by just p-lining your profile(s), adding leader lines to tie sections together if needed then using offset on the entire p-line assembly.

An icon pops up on the inspector bar for rounding corners that's helpful to avoid stop/start/dwell motion problems with the toolpath.

The help file on offset is pretty complete, have a look at it.


Tiger

[Joe Petro]

That works perfectly!
Thanks Tiger! I owe you one!

I didn't realize that I could use "join polyline" on an entire part.
That was the answer!

You saved me time and money!

Do I sound happy?

Thanks again,

Joe Petro