What Design software to use with EMC

[ADucci]

HI..

i have tried QCAD with linux and EMC.. however, QCAD works in DXF and EMC in some NC code...

how do you convert the DXF to the NCF... or do you use other design software...

thanks

[ger21]

You'll need CAM software to convert the .dxf. A linux version of SheetCAM is being developed and is rumored to be available soon. www.sheetcam.com

[Dan Falck]

Sorry that I don't have a specific solution for you, but you -might- find something that helps here:

http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Cam



Dan

[acondit]

Originally Posted by ADucci HI.. i have tried QCAD with linux and EMC.. however, QCAD works in DXF and EMC in some NC code... how do you convert the DXF to the NCF... or do you use other design software... thanks

I am using NCPlot running in Windows XP under Mac OS X to convert my DXF files to gcode.

Alan

[stratcat50]

We use Corel Draw 11, export as R11 dxf, run the dxf through ACE to make the nc file, then CimcoEdit to "proof" it, then grab the final nc file over the network
from the CNC/EMC box. Corel, ACE and Cimco are on win boxen.
Seems like a lot, but it works well for us.
HTH, Emory

[ADucci]

Is that on Linux?

i am currently trying out CAM Expert... it is designed for laser and plasma cutting machines, also exports to NC file, then use the EMC controller to run the machine...

new to this setup, so i cannot comment too much at this moment, but it seems quite nice.

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by ADucci HI.. how do you convert the DXF to the NCF... or do you use other design software...

Parts I'm making to this point are easily hand coded. CamExpert should work for 2D profiles, just be aware the tool radius must be taken into consideration. Camexpert combined with altering the gcode to use cutter comp (g41/g42) could be a working solution for 2D. *

Synergy is worth a look;
http://www.webersys.com/
I had the demo version running a while back. The software is powerful but complex to use compared to similar software available for windows OS. The nice part is the CAD portion is yours to keep regardless if a license is purchased. I'm still debating whether to buy the lowest priced license at $250. At this price it produces 2 axis cam, ie: no simultaneous cutting movement along 3 axis.

* edit/ I'm assuming you have a mill.

[ADucci]

cyclestart
thanks.. i have a plasma cutting machine, thats why i like cam Expert, it is sufficient in 2D..

thanks