Solidedge, Mastercam and Mach3

[alexccmeister]

Hi all,

I am new to CNC milling and have been going through this forum learning about the machine. But forgot to look closely at using the softwares like mastercam and mach3. I am currently using solidedge to design my parts. And I can open the .par file in my mastercam software.

Can anyone tell me how to convert the .par file into Gcode. I have looked high and low here and on google. Couldn't find much info on how a software like mastercam converts a part file to G Code.

This part of CNC seems difficult to follow. Anyone can offer some help? Thanks.

[ben_heinman]

You need to add programs and cutter paths to the part file in mastercam and then post them out. The post will then convert you toolpaths to G-code.

[alexccmeister]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for your reply. I have been doing some reading on Mastercam and uploading simple G Code program from people on the internet and running it in Mach 2 trial version. I am beginning to understand alot on how the workflow is from the finished processed G code to mach 2, but its this part of the work flow that you have described that I am still learning and getting stuck in 'Adding program and cutter path'. Hope it isn't as difficult as it sounds.

A direction towards a free tutorial along this line would be great. Nothing beats a picture or video tutorials. I learn faster that way too. Thanks.

Alex

[joecnc1234]

I believe what your talking about is called cnc programming. It's a skill learned over many years of machining, if you're machining a square you can probably learn how to do it in a couple of hours, but to fully understand the dynamics of cnc machining it takes a while. It is not something you can just have your computer spit out code. It is a process that you define not the computer or program. If it were that easy there wouldn't be machine shops there would be star trek type devices that you would just put your design into and a part would come out the other side.

[joecnc1234]

I would start by using a tutorial like this one http://www.tipsformanufacturing.com/ I've read alot of good things about this on this forum.

[alexccmeister]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the info. Ah! Star Trek technology. I wouldn't mind having one of those replicator they use on Voyager. Then my production would be unlimited. But it wouldn't be fun.

I know its going to be a lot of learning the G code programming and what you said confirm my fear. Don't get me wrong, i up for a good challenge but hope it isn't too difficult to learn. I have seen people here saying they are newbies in CNC and when they have all their machine set up. They are chucking away milling complicated stuff.

Thanks for the link. Will check it out.

[joecnc1234]

Alex,
I couldn't remember the name replicator, sorry but in all honesty you seem like a smart guy so if you read alot and try hard there is no reason why you can't make parts in a short amount of time. There is nothing more that I like than someone who wants to try and better themself. so I will do anything you want to help you pm me for any advice or programming help. what is the old proverb "feed a man a fish he will eat for a day teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime" so call on me anytime good luck. Joe

[alexccmeister]

Hi Joe,

Really appreciate the offer to help. I will definitely PM you. Currently, I am waiting for my X2 mill to arrive. my XY table from CNCbridges to be completed and some books and DVD I just purchased online on Mastercam. I have just received my Keling motor and driver kit. So currently installing that in a box to test out using mach 2. Once my books and DVD arrive, I will be going tru that and hopefully it is enough to get me started on understanding tooldpath and post processing. These are the two area that I am anticipating will be the hardest to learn. I am sure once I go over this threshold, I should be ok with CNC work.

I need to work fast as my primary reason for setting up a machine shop is to produce parts for sale online. Thanks. I will know where to find you.