Software to Design path, not shape?

[tstrand]

Hi all,

I about to start building my first CNC machine, and am a little confused about what software would be best for my case. The machine will hold a laser, and I want to be able to specify to path that the laser takes over time. For example, I might want to have the laser start in one corner, travel along the y-axis 20cm over the course of 15 seconds, and then upward along the z 10 cm in 10 seconds. I am not concerned with the overall shape of the path.

It seems to me that most of the CNC software out there focuses on the end shape produced by the machine, not the path it takes. Would anyone we able to suggest a software package that would make the type of path design I'm trying to do easiest?

Thanks so much in advance for any help you can offer me!!

Tyler

[txcncman]

Won't your tool (laser) path ultimately make a shape? Start with learning how to write the code needed manually. You will be much better off in the long run.

[tstrand]

Yes, it will make a shape, but I don't want to instruct the laser the make a shape without concern for how it makes it. I want to specify the route it takes, not the end result.