stl to gcode

[9xnet]

I have a design that i want to cut out but when i import it to gcode it always wants to do tons of pases and slowly cut it out, is there a way i can have it do a strait cut around the edges?

here is what im trying to cut:

[epineh]

You could do this as a 2D part, draw the outline as a 2D drawing, then pocket the inside profile, then drill or pocket the holes, then contour the outside, that's how I would do it anyway.

Russell.

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by 9xnet it always wants to do tons of pases and slowly cut it out, is there a way i can have it do a strait cut around the edges?

If I read the question correctly the problem is the code wants to make chips out of all the excess material?

I've made lots of parts (often motor mounting plates) that needed a large area cut out of the center. Cutting the perimeter of the inside contour shouldn't be a problem but calls for a bit of caution when the big slug in the middle gets close to letting go The same kind of approach can be taken to the outside contour.

Hard to get more specific without knowing the size of the piece, how your clamping it, what software is generating the gcode, etc. Does the software not allow you to do all of this in the cutting parameters?

Another suggestion which you may or may not appreciate*. That part looks like it could be all straight lines and radii. If thats true it wouldn't be difficult to create the gcode manually. It's a skill well worth developing.

*Conversational control lovers I've worked with have given me dirty looks for suggesting this. I fully understand if you consider this line of thought a bit "old school"

[ger21]

.stl is the wrong format for that part. Depends on what software you're using, but all that's needed for that part should be a 2D drawing.

[9xnet]

Originally Posted by cyclestart If I read the question correctly the problem is the code wants to make chips out of all the excess material? I've made lots of parts (often motor mounting plates) that needed a large area cut out of the center. Cutting the perimeter of the inside contour shouldn't be a problem but calls for a bit of caution when the big slug in the middle gets close to letting go The same kind of approach can be taken to the outside contour. Hard to get more specific without knowing the size of the piece, how your clamping it, what software is generating the gcode, etc. Does the software not allow you to do all of this in the cutting parameters? Another suggestion which you may or may not appreciate*. That part looks like it could be all straight lines and radii. If thats true it wouldn't be difficult to create the gcode manually. It's a skill well worth developing. *Conversational control lovers I've worked with have given me dirty looks for suggesting this. I fully understand if you consider this line of thought a bit "old school"

Thats exactly what i want to do, but would rather do it not by hand.

Im using Alibre Design xpress, so im not really sure how to export as 2d.

The part is going to be plastic, about 4" X 7" 1/8" thick.

I havent really got set on a gcode creator yet since i just got my machine up and still learning the software.

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by 9xnet but when i import it to gcode

This combined with having no software to create gcode, as stated in your last post, is a bit confusing.

The others are right that this is essentially a 2D job.

Wish I could recommend some software. Still searching for something affordable myself. Lots of information on that topic available by searching this forum. To much if anything

edit: You said not set on a software, not that you didn't have one. My mistake. What did you use? Maybe someone here can give a few pointers on it's use.

[ger21]

In Alibre Xpress, create a drawing of the part at full scale and export a .dxf of it. Then use something like ACE to create the g-code. www.dakeng.com

Or download a free 2D CAD program like A9CAD from www.a9tech.com

[HIRAH]

I havent really got set on a gcode creator yet since i just got my machine up and still learning the software.

notepad is free and great for making g code.
this looks like a simple 2d part. shouln't take more than 20 minutes to program by hand.
helpful hint of the day.
if the part is symetrical, call x0 y0 the center of the part. then you only need points for 1/4 of the part to make the program.
might be obvious, but i know people that program from strange 0s.
plus its a great learning experience.

[9lrac9]

hey 9XNET... The simple solution for holding the part is double back tape .008 thick. most aerospace companies use it, and I use the heck out of it. I use it for my wooden boxes that are 1.000 thick and I'm cutting the inside and outside and I have not pitched a part yet. Most industrial hardware companies stock it I live in ca and I buy from Mcfadden Dale, and they have 1/2, 1, 2, inch wide in stock. works for me...

9lrac9

[9xnet]

ok well i got it to export as dxf 2d but when i import it to mach3 the scale is all off...

do you have any ideas how to get it the right scale?

the part should be about 5" wide...

I just used a market taped to the router so it moves around.

[ger21]

Can you post the .dxf?

[9xnet]

Originally Posted by ger21 Can you post the .dxf?

Sure it is attached