Newbie- 3D DXF EMC2 or 2D only?

[klaymonster]

I have some questions for y'all. At this point i don't have even own one of these machines and i am a complete newb so please excuse any misuse of terminology or seemingly idiotic questions.

I have still not seen a side-by-side of a 3d model from a modeling/cad program and it's tangible finished result. I am beginning to wonder if in fact my understanding is correct of this process. Can 3D geometry be imported into EMC2?

Ideally I imagine that i will be able to use my favorite 3d modeling package (3D Studio Max) which will then export my 3D geometry as a DXF file. EMC2 then would import that 3d object and with a few clicks and calibrations be off and cutting, turning my creations into tangible prototypes.

This is accurate is it not? I've searched but found very little mention of DXF files and any instances i did find were 2d vector style applications. I'd be terrified to learn that EMC2 requires you to do extrusion of vector graphics to get the third dimension.

On a bit of a side not I'm under the impression that EMC2 is exclusive to linux is that true? Is there a comparable windows based program? Is there software that is better by leaps and bounds that do cost more that i should know about? Thank you in advance!

[cyclestart]

The short answer is you cannot import a dxf file into emc2.

Originally Posted by klaymonster I have some questions for y'all. At this point i don't have even own one of these machines and i am a complete newb so please excuse any misuse of terminology or seemingly idiotic questions.

This forum exists to ask and answer questions. Please excuse my possibly idiotic reply

I have still not seen a side-by-side of a 3d model from a modeling/cad program and it's tangible finished result. I am beginning to wonder if in fact my understanding is correct of this process. Can 3D geometry be imported into EMC2?

Emc2 interprets rs274 language. Commonly called g-code.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code
Another piece of software is needed to convert a CAD file to g-code. For a true 3d model you'll need a decent CAM program to do the conversion. There's a whole section of cnczone dedicated to CAM software.

Ideally I imagine that i will be able to use my favorite 3d modeling package (3D Studio Max) which will then export my 3D geometry as a DXF file. EMC2 then would import that 3d object and with a few clicks and calibrations be off and cutting, turning my creations into tangible prototypes.

If you post an example someone might suggest a CAM package. The level of complexity might rule out some of the free/cheap stuff. Even with CAM real 3d work is seldom a matter of a few clicks. You need to understand toolpaths and the related terminology.

On a bit of a side not I'm under the impression that EMC2 is exclusive to linux is that true? Is there a comparable windows based program?

Yes, linux only. Maybe someone clever has it running on a Mac or some other *nix. Not Windows in any case. There are comparable programs running on Windows and DOS. Mach3 (Windows) is the best known of these.

Is there software that is better by leaps and bounds that do cost more that i should know about? Thank you in advance!

Better than EMC2 ?? Boy, did you post in the wrong forum !
Honestly, as a pc based machine control EMC2 is very good. Unfortunately it won't do what you want.
I can't think of any comparable control that does direct 3d CAD file to toolpath.

[klaymonster]

Originally Posted by cyclestart I can't think of any comparable control that does direct 3d CAD file to toolpath.

thank you first for the response. i was with you all up until this line here. i hope you aren't saying i wont be able to use my 3d program at all! was it that you were saying emc2 is a control software that reads g-code not your fresh off the CAD DXF files?

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by klaymonster thank you first for the response. i was with you all up until this line here. i hope you aren't saying i wont be able to use my 3d program at all! was it that you were saying emc2 is a control software that reads g-code not your fresh off the CAD DXF files?

Hey, a fellow insomniac.

I'm saying emc needs the file in gcode format.

In this linked post a solid model (.stl) is imported into a free CAM program in the picture on the left. The right picture shows the resulting gcode file being interpreted by emc. Ready to cut.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=11

So:
CAD --> CAM --> EMC2

[klaymonster]

well i've caught you twice tonight maybe i can catch you one last time. Assuming i have my STL file already and i want the g-code now, which cam software is going to get me there with least hassle? or even better what does the workflow look like in these? i'd imagine:
import>tool settings>material>calculate....processing....>save as

eh? hows that?

haha nevermind im so tired i'll catch ya later and thanks again for everything

[ger21]

Look at www.meshcam.com or http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c3d_index.htm

Both have trials you can download and play with.
There are also plenty of more expensive options.

[klaymonster]

awesome... that was really usefull to be able to load up my files and watch it make a toolpath. im really getting exited about the potential uses and possibilities of this stuff!

[vlmarshall]

...and another is sucked into this hobby/trade.