Anyone know how to use Mecsoft Freemill? I can't load a part.

[slashmaster]

I just downloaded the free Mecsoft Freemill. Then I went to that place on here where you share your files and I downloaded a couple .DXF files to my desktop. Then I go into Freemill and clicked the "Browse" button under where it says "Load Part" I click desktop and even though those DXF files are on my desktop it's not showing them in Freemill. What am I doing wrong?

[DareBee]

FreeMill is a fully functional 3D Milling package built on MecSoft Corporation's world renowned VisualMill CAM package. With this product you will be able to import VisualMILL, STL, Rhino .3dm, VRML and Raw Triangle files, run full simulations on your part models and be able to output G code to your machine tool. The product comes with about 50 pre-built post-processors. This product is absolutely FREE! There is no time limit, part limit, post limit, or line of code limit in this product. Available file imports include: VisualMILL, Rhino, STL, VRML.

Quoted directly from MecSoft website.

[ger21]

In other words, it can't use .dxf files.

[slashmaster]

Thanks guys. Are there any free cam softwares that can use .DXF? Or a way to convert .dxf so I can use it in Freemill?

[DareBee]

Or a way to convert .dxf so I can use it in Freemill

To my knowledge - not straight up.
Freemill needs 3D input geometry.

I suggest this free method.

Download and install Alibre Xpress.
Import your DXF as a sketch and extrude it into a model (you could also redraw from scratch).
Save the model as an STL (remember to set your triangulation mesh to as fine a finish as you require for machining).
Open and use the STL in FreeMill.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by DareBee To my knowledge - not straight up. Freemill needs 3D input geometry. I suggest this free method. Download and install Alibre Xpress. Import your DXF as a sketch and extrude it into a model (you could also redraw from scratch). Save the model as an STL (remember to set your triangulation mesh to as fine a finish as you require for machining). Open and use the STL in FreeMill.

I bet this combo works better than BobCad V23 DareBee

[DareBee]

Wouldn't know Toby.
I have never tried BCC and expect that I never will.

[rowbare]

You might want to look at d2nc http://www.d2nc.com/

It can deal with DXF files. It is a commercial product but not too expensive at $69 and there is a trial period.

[tobyaxis]

NC Plot has a DXF drawing function. I think the trial is 15 days and it is reasonably priced.

[mc-motorsports]

download RhinoCad, should be able to save 25 times on the trial version. Then, save your .DXF as a .3DM or .STL

Nice software too, try it out, well worth the price.

[slashmaster]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[hornby chopper]

Hi every one i have download freemill and can't get it to load stl file from sketchup or any other stl files what am i doing wrong thanks

great site for info keep up the great work