Newby needs help

[SPEEDRE]

Hello boys, here's the deal. I plan on purchacing a K2 cnc machine soon. They have recomended Mach 2 . I need to know what it does ( in plain english). I have AutoCad 2000 in which I've drawn many parts that I wish to make. AutoCad does not have a g code generator does it?, so if I continue to use AutoCad 2000, which I want to do, what do I need to convert those files into machine code. Any help will be appreciated. I know nothing of writing code or scripting, or any of that programing stuff, so keep it simple. I've thought of using BobCad V17 Hobbiest any thoughts on that. Please respond as I am about to tear out the few strands of hair I have left. Thaks

[CNCRob]

I like to use AutoCad also to draw my parts. I use either SheetCam or MeshCam to convert my parts to g-code.

[cbass]

Hi,

As CNCRob implied, autocad will not create g-code. Autocad is CAD. To produce g-code, you will need CAM. A CAM program will allow you to import your 3-d design and to create toolpaths that are specific to your machine and tooling. This is far more than simply generating code. Its about machining strategies...deciding what gets cut first and in what way (i.e. spiral vs. valley vs. horizontal machining etc.). Once you have created your toolpaths, a good program will allow you to verify them visually. When all this is complete, you will create your g-code which is specific to the language that the controller for your motors uses. I believe K2 uses controllers that read Fanuc M6 code.

As for other CAM software suggestions, I'd look at Onecnc for its ease of use (though meshcam does look pretty easy too).

Regarding what Mach 2 does... it controlls (sends inputs to) your motors. It can create g-code for basic engraving but for 3-d work, I think you'll want a dedicated CAM program. See here for more info

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9988

There's also a forum dedicated to Mach cnc controllers here...

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mach_software_artsoft_software/

Hope this helps,

Carlo

[ger21]

Mach 2 is primarily a machine control program, but it can take 2D .dxf files and convert them into g-code. If you know what you're doing (with lots of practice), you can actually do quite a bit that way. It does depend on the type of parts you'd like to make, though. If you want the process to be more automated, look at both SheetCAM (2D) and MeshCAM (3D) for g-code generation. These are far and away the best value you'll find in CAM software. You should be able to use AutoCAD to model or draw you're parts, depending on how proficient you are with it.
What kinds of parts do you want to make? Knowing that will make it easier to recommend something for you.