SCM tech, alternatives to Xilog plus?

[marksaus]

Hi,

I am in the process of "inheriting" a SCM tech machining center for wood. The previous owner is quite set in his ways and only knows one method for each thing he does with the machine.

Basically, we either write programs from scratch using xilog plus, or create text/vector stuff in autocad, save as R12 DXF, open in Xilog, save as PGM and then open at the machine.

This works well enough, except when making more complex things, as described in this post:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/autode...ml#post1053694

My question is whether it is true that the machine will only understand PGM files created by xilog, or if there are any alternatives that you guys might recommend to simplify processes and/or get the most out of the machine. I now need to get it to cut out a pig shape (attached), and it is proving near impossible!

Thanks a lot for any help :-)

[ger21]

Try this .dxf
Here's what I did:

Open in AutoCAD.
Select and EXPLODE
Use a spline to pline lisp to covert splines to polylines.
Use PEDIT to close the polylines.

It should work for you.

I use a Morbidelli, which also uses Xilog and .pgm files.
However, we create all our code in AlphaCAM, and I only use Xilog for editing g-code.

With our Morbidelli, the .pgm files are binary, and can't be created without a special post for AlphaCAM.

However, we have a utility that can convert standard text g-code files into binary .pgm files. I think it's call Xiso or something similar.

If you have this utility, you can use any CAM program to create your g-code, and then use the utility to convert them to binary .pgm files.
You most likely will need a modified post to include the proper header and correct formatting, but most CAM programs should have this capability.

[CCW]

If you're using Xilog Plus you can save any text file with a .xxl file extension. As long as the code is formatted correctly you can then save as .pgm and it will be converted. You just need a post processor for whatever cam program you are using. Alphacam works well with xilog but it's a bit pricey. Vectric software has a post, is relatively cheap and seems to fit what you're doing well. The only catch is it doesn't use cutter compensation; not a big deal in my opinion. It should save you from a lot of headaches. Importing dxf is not much fun on these machines if I recall correctly; maybe the technology has improved though.

[waywood]

Xilog is fine for simple shapes, or for writing parametric programs for things like kitchen carcases that might vary in size or detailing. But it is horrible for doing anything remotely complex, and 3D work is definitely a nightmare.

The DXF facility is a good idea in theory but is so fussy and awkward to use that I really cannot see it as a viable longterm solution for a professional workshop.

What you need is CAM software that will output proper Xilog pgm files. AlphaCAM will certainly do this and so will Genio. However, because we have always used Rhino, I wanted something that dovetailed well with that, and so chose RhinoCAM (which is also a tenth of the price of AlphaCAM). It did mean I had to write my own post processor though. I am happy to make this available, but you would have to be quite computer savvy to set it all up.

In your shoes I would definitely look at Genio: .Spai Software Srl.

[Service SCM BR]

Genio, Alpha-CAM and TopSolid have post-processor for Xilog Plus and Xilog3.
Genio and Top Solid is more complete. For programation parameters Genio is the Best. Because Mauro Freddo for de Spai developer togheter with SCM Group in Italy.

DXF(AutoCad 2000 DXF) for the Xilog olny programation in Line, Circle, Arc and Polyline.

Sorry my english but i dont speak english, olny Portuguese and Italian.

[marksaus]

Wow, I just realised I had various replies to my question. Thanks a lot for your input, I will definitely try these programs you suggest. I did at one point get my hands on a copy of Alphacam, opened it, said WTF!!?! and closed it, thinking "when I have more time to investigate...".

Thanks again, nice to see I'm not alone out there :-)

[RodJ208]

Hi, I may be a little late to this question, but I am the reseller for Genio in the UK. I opened your pig and tool pathed it no problem.
Genio comes with AutoCad 2008 included at the moment, soon to be 2012, so any DXF and DWG will open and can be tool pathed.
At the moment Genio will output code for Routerlink, Xilog for upto 5 axis machines, and in TPA (Busellato, Felder) for 3 axis machines.
We also have X Cab for parametric cabinets and X Door for parametric doors, such as house doors including locks, hinges, apertures etc.
If you need any info let me know.

[DGcNC]

What is the price of genio been looking for a demo version but cant find anything tried alpha cam just wanted to compare them both

[RodJ208]

Hi. Genio has several options, nesting, parametric geometries, 3D surfaces, etc. so the price depends on which bits you want.
As far as I am aware of the AlphaCam prices, Genio is about 35% of the price for the equivalent spec. I used to use AlphaCAM for 15 years before Genio came out and find that Genio is alot more user friendly. I have done about 120 installations of Genio over the last 6 years.
Have a look on SpaiSoft
The full version of AutoCAD OEM is included in the price, not extra.
IF you're in the UK I can send you a disc that shows video demos of Genio, but there isn't an interactive demo version. Then I could show you via teamviewer what it can do.
Cheers
Rod