AutoCAD 2 G-Code macro

[ger21]

I'm starting a new thread for the macro I'm working on.

It will read lwpolylines, 3Dpolylines, and circles and output machine-ready (hopefully) g-code.

All known bugs have been fixed, hopefully I didn't add more.

Added 2 more selection options.

Also added G83 drill cycles, which applies if the specified tool diameter is the same size as circles in the drawing.

The included .pdf is up to date, but it still needs more work.

Here's a link to the latest version:
http://tinyurl.com/yglfz3e

[jmc]

Hi Ger:

Will your macro convert v14 dwg format to gcode or just dxf format.

Thanks
Jim

[ger21]

It doesn't convert files. It runs inside AutoCAD and exports g-code from within AutoCAD. You could open your drawings (either .dwg or .dxf) in AutoCAD, and run the macro to export. It's a VBA macro, you need at least AutoCAD 14.1 (or is it 14.01?) with VBA support. It's written in 2002, I haven't tried it in R14.1. You may need 2000 or newer for it to work.

[fantasy2]

I've tried it in 2004 but he said: "no objects selected". What does that mean?

[ger21]

I'm assuming that the main dialog box opens. If so, click the "Select Objects" button in the upper left corner. After clicking the button, the number of selected objects is displayed below the button. You have to select the entities you want to write the g-code for.

[ger21]

I added the circle pocketing. This will create spiral pocketing passes.

I mistakenly changed the filename of the previous macro, so the info in the .pdf on making a toolbar button was incorrect. This version and all subsequent versions will keep the same filename, so if you do create a toolbar button, it won't have to be modified with each update.

Can anyone tell me if this works OK in ACAD 2004 or 2005? I'm writing it in 2002, but it should work in newer versions.

[ger21]

Someone requested the ability to reverse polylines. There's a LISP to do that here: http://www.cadmicro.com/categories/RevPolyline.zip
According to this page on the site, http://www.cadmicro.com/categories/b6_caddesk.htm , it's a 30 day evaluation. After you load it, the command is REVPL.

Here's a completely free one. http://www.freecadapps.com/swdetails...owcolor=fce08d
Command is RPL.

[ger21]

Added the last option, Bi-Directional cutting. This should work good for cutting slots. The tool will plunge straight down, cut the line, and when it reaches the end, plunge down for the next pass and return. Back and forth until the desired depth is reached. More info in the .pdf.

Now that everthing is working ( I hope ), I won't be updating this again except to fix bugs (although noone's reported any). I'm going to build my router now so I can actually use this.

[ger21]

I found a bug if you use G41/G42 for circles. The lead-in move will gouge the circle. I'll upload a fix this weekend. Also, I think that I'm specifying the tool size wrong in all G41/G42.

Edit: I got the info I needed from Art (Mach2), so I'll have this fixed late tonight or tomorrow morning.

[ger21]

Fixed the G41/G42 problems. Holes cut using G41/G42 now appear correctly in Mach2.

Edit 2-13-05:
Removed comma seperator for values of 1000 or more.

[ger21]

Anyone using this? Over 200 downloads and not a single bit of feedback.

[fantasy2]

Originally Posted by ger21 Anyone using this? Over 200 downloads and not a single bit of feedback.

Downloaded it but I can't use it in Mechanical desktop.

Then I do sketch solving and when I place dimensions, your software doesn't recognize circles and lines anymore :frown: ...