flashcut --is there a spot to tell it to cut

[woodman08]

flashcut --is there a spot to tell it to cut the inside cut first outside last?

[datac]

How are you creating your toolpaths ? The "sequencing" for toolpaths generally comes from the program you are using for CAM. Flashcut, as well as any other CNC control simply just runs the code created by your cam program, in the order it was saved or exported.

However, If by chance you are using the DXF import part of Flashcut to create toolpaths (g-code), the only good way to sequence the order of your cuts are going to either be to find out how to reassign the order of entities in your cad program before exporting them as DXF (some programs allow this, some do not), or, export select entities in job groups, such that you can run a "job" of just the inside work, and a different job to cut the outside work based on that of your scenario.

[woodman08]

thanks very much,that's about the best explanation I have had.
You're right we use a straight dxf file and have tried producing the file from inside outbut does not always work.
We cannot seem to set up sheet cam to match the table/post processor
Is there another program like sheet cam that we could try maybe we would have better luck

[datac]

If you have sheetcam, you really should be using it over the DXF import methods... at least I would. I do not have sheetcam, but as I understand it, it is fully capable of creating good code for your Flashcut control. Flashcut's G-code requirements are about as vanilla as they come, so, if they do not have a working Flashcut post already, I bet someone in their forum could get you setup quickly.

However, by the sound of it, you are able to get code to run the Flashcut control, but perhaps just have trouble with the sequencing of the cut. Sheetcam also has the ability to let the user control this. They have automatic methods for "island detection" when it creates pocket toolpaths, but beyond that, I think you can click somewhere (maybe right click) and choose to define your orders manually. Its been a long time since I played with it, but it is there.

Regarding something different to try, the one program that would pop into my mind as a near equivalent that would be highly supported would be the 2d versions of Vectrics developments. I believe they call it cut2D. Personally, I would probably opt into the world of Vectric before sheetcam for routing, but frankly, Sheetcam is not a bad program at all.

Check into the manual, the forum or do some google searches on sequencing your cut orders in sheetcam.... you'll figure it out. It will all work well together.

[BlackGavin]

I like to cut out all the cores then do the exteriors at the end because my remnants are very thin and warp if I cut the whole piece and move to the next.
I make my drawing and move the various cut groups into separate layers. I save each layer as a separate DXF file. abc_1.dxf, abc_2.dxf, ... I import each dxf file one at a time into Flashcut which creates the gcode for that pass. Once I have done them all, I open a text editor and append all the files together in the sequence I want. I usually edit out the return to home but it would work anyway. I then save the file as abc_all.dxf. Since Flashcut generated all the gcode, I am always confident of the result.

You could make your individual cut groups even better with other programs like sheetcam (I'm playing with it right now) which allows editing the start points among other things. I sometimes find Autocad painful when trying to get my leadins right so I am always in search of the perfect one stop solution but adding sheetcam to the mix adds a step. If I decide to buy sheetcam, I'll see if I can use it to generate reliable gcode groups rather than use Flashcut and this would bring it back down to a two step process which I could easily live with. But that is for later, right now I have to actually cut something

[BlackGavin]

This thread has been dormant for a while but I thought I'd update it with my findings in case it might help someone.

Well, I finished reviewing all I could in the eval version of sheetcam and decided to buy it to see what it could really do. I hadn't been able to try the post processor because of the trial limitations so I wasn't sure if this would work. I was disapointed with the first few outcomes then I stumled onto the "edit post" button. Turns out you get access to the programming functions used to assemble the g-code. I used to teach robotics, computer interface design and structured programming at the College level so I am always happy when I can look under the hood. Sheetcam gives full access to the postprocessor and a wealth of examples to play with. It is easy to program and get it to do what you want. I can now run my CNC plasma table as efficiently and with as much or more control than the big industry players. My setup with THC and all controls is still under $5,000. Flashcut kit, flashcut 4.0 software - autocad LT 2004 and now sheetcam. I now produce 100% of the G-code with sheetcam. I produce my cad drawing in layers according to the cut sequence I want, lay it all out as I need then save it as a dxf. I import it into sheetcam where I can control all the cutting then run it through the postprocessor. I then open the cut job in flashcut and cut my parts. Took me about 8 hours of experimentation to come up with a final configuration and develop a good working knowledge of sheetcam

Cheers all

Sheetcam - well worth the $160

[datac]

I see you mentioned Flashcut 4....

I know that Flashcut has many revisions of version 4 at this point because those rascals just can not stop developing and adding new features. You may want to take a look in the import configuration again to see if you have some of the newer options found in there.... I know they added a "cut innermost features first" option recently.

Flashcuts DXF import has actually worked very well over the years. I recall there were people downloading the program in order to use it as a DXF to G-code conversion tool and visual toolpath editor.

I will say that there are times with any DXF / G-code conversion process where it might be necessary, or just easier, to split up the drawing in layers such that you can export specifically the entities you need cut first, then the others. Once Flashcut turned those into G-Code, you can merge them quite effortlessly into one file.

From the very latest Flashcut users guide, The following is what is listed for DXF import as perhaps newer features:

DXF import improvements
o Smart application of cutter compensation
o Smart cutting order (cut innermost features first)
o New options for assigning program zero location relative to DXF
coordinate system
o G90 vs. G91 style G-Code
o Option to combine DXF layers into single layer
o Option to return to program zero or not at end of file

[Pax Zoega]

Hi there,

Completely new to this forum (and forums in general) so apologies if I'm breaching forum etiquette by posting this here.

Anyway ... back in late 2006 I bought a FlashCut CNC Mill 2000 and FlashCut CNC Lathe 4400 and a whole load of accessories (total cost of everything brand new was $10,321.24).

I have never used any of it (when I say never, I mean NEVER). I had romantic notions of building a steam engine with my son. Unfortunately that never came to be.

I have finally decided to sell the lot for a knock down price. If anyone is interested, please post to let me know and I can give you full specs, proof of ownership etc.

Thanks for your time.

Pax.