g-code formats query

[Stewey]

HI, sorry if this is a basic question, but I've searched a bit and not found the answer...

Is a plt file from enroute likely to be the same as a plt file from a different program, and the same as any other router driving file formats?

In other words, is it reasonable to take a g-code file with a different suffix, and change it to plt & expect it to work on our machine?

Thanks!

[cadman]

I think I understand what you are saying and yes, you can change the extension of an nc file and run it on different controllers. Some controllers don't care what the extension is and some do. Fpr example, our machines with Fanuc controllers don't care what file extension is they receive, but files going to our Okumas must have the .MIN extension so to run the same file we just change the extension.

[skullworks]

Generally a *.PLT file contains HPGL output. These can be translated into G-Code rather easily but can not be run directly. These files are 2D and the converter program will need to add retract moves for rapids, Z infeed moves to a depth you will need to specify and the liner cutting feedrate. Also you will likely want to scale the final file as well.

[mal mckenzie]

In theory Yes...But I haven't tried it with those file types.
I have only done it with converting jpg. to bitmap. to get it recognise picture files.
If it is a plt. file it should work from any program.
I say in theory because thermwood software only works on thermwood machines.
But we have used "?" files to send between a printing company and a laser cutting company...so long as it is the right file type or gets converted to the right file type for their machine it is OK. In your case a file type that Tekmov will support.

[Stewey]

Thanks for those helpful replies. That makes sense that a plt file could be a hpgl file, except that I can also send a hgpl file with a vee groove action of constantly varying z axis height, as a plt file.

What other formats can Tekmove accept, do you know Mal? (i.e. what are enroute's 3D files called?)

I was trying to figure out if I got a 3D file in a different file format, from a different program, whether I could just rename the file end, and expect it to cut somewhat normally on our machine (Tekcel K series2) ?