G code for pockets . . .

[D2theIzzave]

Like many, I am new to Gcode, however I do have some experience with old anilam control software. I am trying to write a program with gcode for a part that I have, but I have not been able to figure out how to generate code for a simple pocket. With the anilam software, there is basically a canned pocket cycle where the operator enters in the outline, depth of cut, overlap, finish cut, etc and the computer generates a tool path that mills out the pocket and then takes a finish cut of the perimiter. I have looked at some examples of gcode in which the tool does this however they are all just raw G01/02/03 codes. It would probably take a few years to program this all line by line so obviously people are using generators.

I have the part drawn in a DXF format, and I have run it successfully through ACE, and have then tested it in the CNC simulator. Everytime I end up with the tool drilling a bunch of holes at the endpoints of all of my line segments, and then it mills out the outline of the pocket. I have not been able to get ACE to generate a "back and forth" tool path to mill out the pocket. What am I doing wrong? Maybe the way in which I drew my DXF file was not to the liking of ACE. Should the drawing be of the finished part or of the pocket or what works best? Maybe there is another program that works similarly to the canned cycle in anilam that will generate Gcode? Thanks very much for any help.

-Dave-

[BlueChip]

You can take a look at KipwareM ... www.kentechinc.com

Kipware allows you to easily generate the CNC programs that 90% of CNC's run every day ... you can also import your DXF file but for the type of programs you mentioned, you can just fill-in-the-blanks.

[ger21]

You have to draw the toolpaths to clean out the pockets, not just the perimeter. AS for the drilling, do you have single points in your drawing?

[ger21]

You might want to look at SheetCAM. It's $150, but it will do the pocketing for you with just the perimeter drawn. http://www.sheetcam.com You can download a demo and try it.