solution to convert eMachineShop to 3D DXF

[korntheuer]

Hi,

Please have a look at this:

http://www.geocities.com/ems2obj/

Is this a useful solution to convert a .ems file from
eMachineShop into a general 3D DXF file for sending to any
other machine shop? Is this DXF enough to program
CNC machines?

If so, would any of you machine shop owners be ready to
accept .ems files directly?

I guess most of you can beat the prices of eMachineShop.

Thanks,

[lakeside]

dxf is a wireframe format not a solid 3d surface so there will still be some programming for 3d paths

[ger21]

Originally Posted by lakeside dxf is a wireframe format not a solid 3d surface.....

Not entirely true, although it probably is for this application. (.dxf's can contain solids)

But most CAM programs should be able to create toolpaths without problems.

[lakeside]

As long as the dxf is closed wire frame geometry. Programming is not a problem most of the time you spend as much time to clean up a dxf, as you do to create a solid surface

[korntheuer]

Have a look at the output of the software.
Is this usefull?

[lakeside]

from the stand piont of the cnc programmer, this file is more work than worth. do you have a dwg of this part. Heres the data on dxf in software

[korntheuer]

No, just a DXF ( also a .obj, but that contains the same wireframe ).

What is the file format that a machinist likes the most? The format that
gives him the least work ( programming ) to make the part. This is
a general question not related to the part I have just posted ( I'm not
interested to make it, it was just an example of the software output )

I see there is software to convert wireframes to solids:
http://www.sycode.com/products/mesh_to_solid/index.htm

It produces a .sat file. Is that OK? Or do you need dwg? ( What's
the difference? ) Any other usefull converter software for dxf to dwg?

Thanks,

[ger21]

Originally Posted by lakeside from the stand piont of the cnc programmer, this file is more work than worth.

Not to me. If it wasn't a lathe part, I'd just load into MeshCAM, a few clicks, and start cutting.

[lakeside]

maybe yours, but not bobcad I 'll send them the dxf and see if they can do it. I may not know how so either I will learn something new or found a limted with Bobcad.

[korntheuer]

I posted the lathe part because it has a small file size. Other parts I have
( for a mill ) are many megabytes because they are a collection of small
triangles ( the wireframe stuff... ). I need something to reduce the file size and make it workable.
Any sugestions?

[lakeside]

Ger 21 can you save that file as a iges and what is the file size also what software(messcam) did you use

[ger21]

.obj files will be smaller, or better yet can you convert to .stl?

Try Accutrans for $20
http://www.micromouse.ca/index.html