Tool Paths


Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Tool Paths

  1. #1
    Registered WOODKNACK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    271
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Tool Paths

    Say I have a drawing of a wheel in my cad program, and It has 4 circles in the center of the wheel. How do I get the tool path to cut out the center circles first then cut out the out side of the wheel? Is that something I do in the cad program or could I do it in Ace Converter when I convert the dfx to gcode?
    I have turbo cad version 8. I havent really played around to much with cad programs.. One of my many learning curves.. LOL

    Similar Threads:
    My little piece of the web!
    http://users.adelphia.net/~wjdupont



  2. #2
    Registered
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    42
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    I can't say for sure in Turbo Cad but with MasterCam and Surfcam if you do a window selection, the software will pick what to machine first but if you do a manuale selection, you can spell out the order of machining.



  3. #3
    Registered balsaman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    2139
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Hi,

    For ace, you can prioritize layers. So, put the different priorities on different layers. This would be done in turbocad. Example, for your wheel, lets say it has a center hole. Put that on layer one. Has spokes, layer two, and the outside make layer three. Save as DXF. Open in Ace, prioritize the layers 1, 2, and 3. Then when cuts, it will do it in that order. Ace lets you turn layers off too, then it ignores the layer completely.

    Eric

    I wish it wouldn't crash.


  4. #4
    Registered WOODKNACK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    271
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Hey thanks Balsaman! Thats just what I wanted to hear... Now I'll play around... Thanks again.

    My little piece of the web!
    http://users.adelphia.net/~wjdupont



  5. #5
    Registered HomeCNC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    779
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Remember to DRAW your tool path offset from the part in your CAD software. I am pretty sure that ACE does not have tool offset built into it.

    Thanks

    Jeff Davis (HomeCNC)
    http://www.homecnc.info


    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  6. #6
    Registered WOODKNACK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    271
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    how is that done. How about an example to try? thanks

    My little piece of the web!
    http://users.adelphia.net/~wjdupont



  7. #7
    Registered HomeCNC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    779
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Look at the drawing below. The green lines are your part drawing. The red lines are your tool path. If you are going to use a 1/2 " cutter on the spokes, then you need to offset the green lines by 1/4" (Like I show for the Red lines). Ace is not as easy as just drawing your lines and arcs. You have to plan your stragity. I think that ACE uses color of lines for feed and rapid movements as well as levels. Also I think that Ace will send the cutter along the line in the direction you draw it! So do some testing with your CAD software and ACE to learn these things before you make a try on a REAL part.

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Tool Paths-wheel-gif  
    Thanks

    Jeff Davis (HomeCNC)
    http://www.homecnc.info


    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  8. #8
    Registered HomeCNC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    779
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Wow the black background on the CAD drawing above did not work when I posted it. It's kind of hard to see the green lines.

    Thanks

    Jeff Davis (HomeCNC)
    http://www.homecnc.info


    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Tool Paths

Tool Paths