picture file to G-code

[fritzgutten]

image-to-gcode in emc appears to be broken as far as i can tell. some issue with python

[glasswoodmetal]

I am learning all this stuff slowly, with only the Internet for help. So far I have built a cnc plasma cutter, convinced the pc to talk to it (fried 2 boards trying),
got the torch to run on the table manually, and now I am close to getting the torch on relay. (I had major high frequency interference from my esab 875.)
Ferrite rings and some re-wiring fixed that.

But back to the original topic - I found a program called image to cad, and it works great for me. Now that I have at least a small clue to what I am doing,
I suppose the other programs would be fine, too. I still have to learn how to draw for cutting on metal (I am planning to use the cnc for artwork). It's not exactly the same as drawing -- if you close any lines, the part falls out - that was lesson 1.

I did get quite a bit of help browsing cnc forum and other websites. I still don't know how to communicate via forums. I look for a topic similar to mine and post, but I sometimes get that feeling like when you walk into the wrong room and say Hello!... oops. Plus, as you might have noticed, I always talk about 5 things at the same time.


Glenn

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by fritzgutten image-to-gcode in emc appears to be broken as far as i can tell. some issue with python

Hmmm.... it seems to work here. By working I mean it makes code from the torus.png (found in the examples directory) using the default settings. I've never tried to load any other images. I'm running EMC 2.4.3 on Ubuntu Dapper and a pre-2.4 sim on Ubuntu Hardy. Both machines have all the auto updates.

Is it possible something optional you've installed via synaptic/apt has modified the installed python packages ? I'm assuming (always dangerous) that you're running Ubuntu. Can you convert the torus example using defaults ?

Anyone reading this done anything interesting with image-to-gcode ? It looks like a pretty basic piece of software compared to some of the other programs available. That's no knock on the guy(s) who wrote it. It's not likely he intended to put Vectric etc out of business.

Did you install emc using a complete Ubuntu from linuxcnc.org or install some other way ?

Edit/
This has been posted here before but.....
http://lumenlab.com/d/2008/10/pumpkin/
That guy looks just like the general publics preconception of the average Linux user LOL

fritzgutten

If the image you're working with isn't private in nature post it here. Maybe it will also make image-to-gcode crash on my machine.

Edit2/
fwiw the problem with python is real for some computers and a bug report has been filed
http://www.mail-archive.com/emc-deve.../msg02203.html
scroll down when reading that link to catch the replies

[scoop113]

I use EMC2's Image-toGCode to carve lithophanes. It's not fancy, but it works great for the price. I load the picture and generate the GCode, then I save the code and run it in Mach 3.

I have my computer dual booting W2K and Ubuntu. But you should be able to use a live Ubuntu CD to run the programs without installing anything on your Windows box.

To the poster who said Image to GCode appears to be broken, I'm not sure what problem you're having, but I ran into the problem of trying to use pictures of too high a resolution. With a 300 dpi pic, it processed all night then stopped with an error code. I resized to 72 dpi and it worked a treat.

Hope that helps.

Merry Christmas,
Mike

[glasswoodmetal]

Here's an image that I converted with image 2 cad and lazycam. The gcode that I created works, but I would be interested in seeing what emc2 does.
For the most part, I am done looking for software.

I am, however having a horrible time with the torch turning off the motors. I have added shielded cables and earth grounds and even put my driver in a case from a microwave oven. The problem, it seems is the torch, and I can't replace that right now.

[glasswoodmetal]

wow, that's a bit large.

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by glasswoodmetal wow, that's a bit large.

Yes.
Next time scale down the image please.

Mike

Lithophanes are cool. We all love pictures (hint, hint). Wish I had a high rpm spindle to play along.

Happy holidays.

[samco]

wait - a torch? that really isn't an image to gcode thing then - in the emc sense anyways. You need something that will outline (lacycam must be able to do that?)

This is what emc's image to gcode would do..

[glasswoodmetal]

Torch -- it's a beast of a home made cnc plasma cutter, no blueprints, no kits, mostly made from scraps, except used plasma cutter and ebay controller and motors. Even the pc was garnered from friend's garage. If the high frequency arc start didn't freeze the motors, it would be a production machine. $1400 including the $800 torch. It would have been much cheaper, but I made some costly mistakes with wiring and configurations. My two biggest hurdles - the unsolved freezing motor problem, and the resolved image to gcode problem.

Glenn