Need Help!- need software

[Toko]

Hey all you art gurus, what software do you use to put together artwork for cnc plasma cutting? As in taking a dxf silhouette from sign torch or something and incorporate into a sign or bracket? I use Alibre for my Cad program and I haven't had much luck with art or text. I also have Corel Draw. I can create what I want in Corel but when I import to Alibre it shows a lot of disconnected ends. What should I do?

[Mad Welder]

[QUOTE=Toko;983296] what software do you use to put together artwork for cnc plasma cutting?QUOTE]

I don't know if this is any good to you but here's a few links to get you started, Delcam Free Software Downloads
CAD Cam Software Download Demos: VisualMill, VisualTurn, VisualArt, RhinoCAM, RhinoART, FreeMILL
Vectric - CNC Software Solutions - Wood Carving - Engraving - Signmaking - Routing - Machining
and you can download free evaluation versions of their software, that are fully functional and generate tool paths but you probably won't be able to post process.

[Toko]

thanks! beings i have corel draw x5 would i be able to get by with that for putting art together? I checked into dxf tools and will try that if i can figure out how to install! I don't really need another whole Cad package. I'd like some input from some more users of corel or similar.

[Toko]

I've been sweating over this one still. I downloaded the dxf tools free trial. I created a simple sign in corel draw and exported with dxf tools. I still could not open in alibre. I am using WECIM for creating the Gcode for our plasma. It opened fine however there were still a couple places it showed a double line and it put the curf on the wrong side. What am I doing wrong? Is there another file format to use out of corel draw? However Wecim only accepts dxf I believe.

[Toko]

Heres my dxf. I drew the bracket in Alibre then opened in corel to put the rooster in. then exported with dxf tools and then i opened in WEcim my nesting program and it put the curf on the wrong side on part of it. Help! I thot I was getting close to figuring this out but every time something is wrong!

[Mad Welder]

Originally Posted by Toko I don't really need another whole Cad package. I'd like some input from some more users of corel or similar.

I hadn't suggested new CAD software only CAM software, which you import ART files to i.e. DXF, DWG, IGES, STEP, STL etc.... or what ever file types supported by a selected CAM software. I opened your file in Rhino ART and had no problem generating toolpaths. You say you use Alibre and Corel...Alibre is a good 3D solid form parametric software, but not a surface creation software, and Corel is quite a good Photo/Art software but my understanding is Corel don't have an actual CAM software. A very good and cheap CAM for plasma software product is SheetCAM, I believe it's a UK company. SheetCam homepage, and here's a good introduction video

SheetCAM Video Tutorial 1 | What is SheetCAM | Learn ... - YouTube

SheetCAM Video Tutorial 1 | What is SheetCAM | Learn ... - YouTube

But again it's just a suggestion, as you seem to still be experiencing trouble.

[gwittlock]

The problem with the dxf file is that the lines and arcs to not actually connect in several places. This is why the tool is not offset correctly. If you bring the file in to Cutting Shop you can see where all the breaks are and easily fix those areas.

[bpoulin]

I'm not familiar with Alibre software, but I know the laser cutting software has the same issue with Corel. I use adobe Illustrator to edit vector images, and I use Vector Magic software to create vectors from art files. You can create vectors in AI, but I found it's much faster and cleaner output in Vector Magic. Send me a PM with your email and I'll send you a .AI file from Illustrator you can try out in Alibre.