CNC Router software for 2D cutting?

[woox]

Hey guys I have decided to buy a CNC machine, its now time to practice with the software first.

I have seen in programs such as Mach3 that you can import BMB/JPG files and such, but let me explain what I want to do and maybe someone can redirect me to proper software.

I plan on making a front plate for a computer case in photoshop (to scale) something like this:


Now where the black boxes are for DVD tray and USB I just want the CNC to cut a box around there, basically cut where there is a black line, to make the neccesary "openings" for my case.

I would like to know what is the best and easiest software I can use to achieve this (you can say I am almost engraving)?

[ger21]

Use a vector program, not Photoshop. Illustrator or CorelDraw, or any 2d CAD program. Then use something like SheetCAM or Vectric's Cut2D.

[lovebugjunkie]

Originally Posted by woox I would like to know what is the best and easiest software I can use to achieve this

What Gerry said.
VcarvePro it's easy, the best IMO for the money. It has all the features (plus many more) you would need to generate a toolpath for your project.
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../vcp_index.htm

Here is a quick (took me less than 5 minutes from blank sheet to creating toolpath) idea of using VcarvePro.

[woox]

ok after say I use vector pro to import my image how do I or what do i use to output the gcode/ info to CNC

And lovebug how did you cut out the usb ports and dvd slots like that? I tried that and I got this:



EDIT:

I just saw the price tag for that product and was like WOW lol, since I am mainly doing 2D how does cut2d software look?

[lovebugjunkie]

I cheated so I could post a picture that would not show the pieces that are cut out. I just used the pocket option and told it to go through the material, I would not do this if I were cutting the piece. I would do as you did and use a inside profile cut.

There is an option to save "toolpath" but do not think it will let you if you are using the demo version.
I'm not sure what functions cut2d has, check on their site or check out the demo version to make sure it fits your needs.

[woox]

Cut2D seems to nail what I need

Now just a question do i need to use KCAM or anything with this?

If it helps I plan on using the ZENBOT CNC machine here (Using it for a small job nothing ot fancy)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZENBOT-CNC-ROUTE...QQcmdZViewItem

Also and what is the main diffrence between PROFILE, pocket, and drilling tool paths?

[ger21]

KCAM is a machine control program, like Mach3. You need a software controller to run the g-code file and control your machine.

Profile is usually used to cut around the outside of your part, or to cut holes in your part. It will follow the vectors, or an offset path parallel to the vectors to allow for the tool radius.

Pocket removes everything inside a closed vector. This is used to cut out a recessed area (pocket), usually without cutting all the way through.

Drilling is for, well, drilling. Typically drilling is just plunging the tool straight down, retracting between plunges to clear the chips.

[woox]

So let me make sure I understand this....

For the design I want to do, it would be a PROFILE cut, and if I wanted to make holes for screws I can also use profile cuts when making the master layout.

Then 2dCut software would export my toolpath to gCode format in which I would import to KCAM and transmit the information to my CNC machine?

Sounds fairly easy if thats all correct, ofcourse I would have to learn kCAM too


And hopefully one last question, the cut sample I made out in this program, it seems that the cut was too "BOLD" not really a fine small line, this project requires a heavy dependence on measurement, and I cant have a 1" thick dvd drop tray when it needs to be say .2", is there any way to make the line being cut slimmer? (if that makes sense)

[ger21]

You'd probably want to use drilling for the screw holes. You draw the cutouts the actual size you want them, and let Cut2D offset the tool to give you the correct size. The
"wide" slot your seeing is the size of the tool. But with the proper offset, the tool size doesn't really matter. Unless you're trying to use the cutout portion, then you'd want to use a small tool.