Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Advice needed

  1. #1
    Registered
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    42
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Advice needed

    Dont know if this is the correct place for this question but I hope so. I need a recommendation for a CAD program for making G code to cut tubing with a 2 axis system using a plasma cutter. We have the rotary indexer done with the drives,chuck, etc but need software to make the profiles we want to cut into the tubing. you can see on youtube laser and plasma cutters cutting shapes into pipe and round tubing using a rotary indexing system and a long axis moving the torch towards the chuck and away from the chuck. Can anybody offer any suggestions? Thanx...


  2. #2
    Registered fordav11's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Fordaville
    Posts
    1,668
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    almost any software can do the job but it depends on how complex the job is. that type of machine is not too common. is it 2 axis only (XY) or 3 simultaneous axis movement (XYZ) or more axis?
    can you give an example video of something similar to what you are doing using similar set-up/machine?


  3. #3
    Community Moderator Al_The_Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18,952
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I think you are describing something like the Trumpf laser machines that have a process for notching and cutting shapes in pipe?
    This cutting pattern could be described as a C axis revolving around a Z. So it should be possible to program with any CAM system.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design (Skype Avail).

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.


  4. #4
    Registered
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    42
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    No complex shapes, just holes and offset lines. Just using 2 axis. here is a youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a5gHfpLxNs&feature=related]Pipe Cutter - PlasmaCAM - YouTube


  • #5
    Community Moderator Al_The_Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18,952
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Yes, linear Z & rotary angular C axis as I mentioned.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design (Skype Avail).

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.


  • #6
    Registered fordav11's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Fordaville
    Posts
    1,668
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Mastercam can do a linear axis plus a rotary axis easily but it can get complicated to use the software depending on how much experience you have with Mastercam (in your case none) and the complexity of the job. For example the jobs in the video require a bit more work but cutting a simple hole is not difficult.
    You may not need it though, I'm guessing the control has a built-in function to cut circles and could be programmed in a few lines with g code?


  • #7
    Registered
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    42
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    thanx everyone who replied. i did find a program called cncwrapper which should do the job and a bargain at 20.00....pete


  • #8
    Community Moderator Al_The_Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18,952
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    You could also use lathe control software for the axis, and program in cylindrical interpolation by G code, this is typically used with Z and C axis and live tooling on a lathe.
    But if CncWrapper works it is a cheap fix!
    Al
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design (Skype Avail).

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.


  • Similar Threads

    1. Advice needed.
      By chipslinger69 in forum Benchtop Machines
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 12-12-2010, 09:25 PM
    2. Advice needed
      By Dropout in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
      Replies: 0
      Last Post: 06-04-2010, 11:11 AM
    3. advice needed
      By teamjnz in forum Haas Lathes
      Replies: 2
      Last Post: 05-20-2009, 06:19 PM
    4. Advice needed.
      By tomshep in forum Benchtop Machines
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 10-01-2008, 05:59 PM
    5. advice needed
      By trubleshtr in forum General Electronics Discussion
      Replies: 32
      Last Post: 04-21-2005, 09:48 PM

    Posting Permissions


     


    About CNCzone.com

      We are the largest and most active discussion forum from DIY CNC Machines to the Cad/Cam software to run them. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

    Follow us on

    Facebook Dribbble RSS Feed


    Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.