3d dxf toolpath to gcode converter

[JBV]

Is there any such program? I have searched but not found anything but bad 2d converters :P

I want to just draw a 3d polyline in my cad program and have it converted to gcode, nothing else! 2d won't do, I want FULL control over the toolpath!

I'm thinking of writing my own converter, should be extremley simple (i havent read the specification for dxf yet) But please tell me if you would know anything worth checking out!

/Jay

[ger21]

I wrote an AutoCAD macro that will do what you want in AutoCAD. Does your cad program have VBA? If so, it's not too difficult to do.

[JBV]

I just started making a c++ console program... Almost finished
But i have been thinking of writing a plugin/script for Rhino. I belive rhino use Vb script!?

Perhaps you could place points along the toolpath with extra info, like if the layer name is feedrate: 55 the script would put a feedrate change at that position. And other things like pause, tool: 5, cooling: on and spindle: off

/Jay

[ger21]

I took a quick look at Rhino's VBScript. It doesn't look like you can access vertices through it, which you probably need to do. If you know C++ (I don't), download the Rhino plug-in SDK (free) and write a Rhino plug-in.

In AutoCAD, I save extended data with each object to control things like feedrate, plungerate, depth/cut, depth/pass, ramping....

[JBV]

I have made a rhino script now!

I solved the problem by interpolating points along the toolpath curve, you just specify the distance between the points, work fine!

[JBV]

I have uploaded my rhino script now if anyone is interested!
http://www.cnczone.com/modules.php?n...viewfile&id=67

[RunnerPack]

Originally Posted by JBV I just started making a c++ console program... Almost finished

Hey, Jay,

I haven't tried Rhino yet and I could really use this exact function. Could I possibly get a copy of your standalone version? Source is preferred (especially if you haven't finished it )

Thanks!

-Amos