LCam Foam 2D

[gotswrv]

I'm having trouble getting the foam section to work as needed. I'm likely doing something wrong, but I've been able to locate much reference material on this.
The project in question is to cut 39x27"6mm thick sheets of foam. The machine will be holding multiple sheets and keep them standing upright and separated.

What I was expecting to do with LCam is load a file containing different shapes and it create a path going from one to the next. I get that much, but it goes *thru* the other cut areas. Turning rapid on and off doesn't help, when posted to Mach it appears that the rapids are still there. I was really hoping to have a home in the center of the table that would allow the wire to park below the work or at least on one side.
Is it possible for LCam to create a path that goes from piece to piece without breaking other chains and enters and exits a part in the same place?

If this is not something LCam is able to do can someone recommend another program that will?

Thanks,
Sam

[Chip]

Hi, Sam

Use the REPLY Button and post an example dxf., I'll generate a test for you

You may need a LC Pro lic. for it though, The one below has no G00 moves.

LazyCam will cut from one side in Hot-Wire Mode, See Att. Pic's.

After "Create Path" move lead-ins around before posting code seems to work.

Not a hot wire user hear.

Hope this Helps, Chip

[gotswrv]

Hey Chip,
That looks a bit like what I want, but it gets complicated... I did purchase the Lcam pro license though.
What is the gray outline?
What all the gray lines that can be moved around? (Rapids?)
Is there a way to tell the software it is not allowed to break thru any chains with cuts?
Or to connect one cut to the next without going to an edge?

It's just that I cannot have all paths begin and end from and edge, I need to be able to link one path onto the next... And often create a move point in between.
I had planned on just butchering my CAD to have only one chain, basically drawing an entire tool path, starting in the corner and working all the way around and back to that corner. Leaving a few thou between points that would likely melt away anyway. Then going in and editing the code to remove the tool height stuff.
I had reworked a file like this at work today, but Lcam still assigned curves and broke the path into several groups. I am certain I could just use the groove wizard in Featurecam to get the majority of the toolpath, then just edit out the z(tool) moves. I could likely take an axe to the post and get code that would work like this without much editing. But I would like to be able to have my own software at home. The single chain file got left at work, I hope you get the idea.

The example is a file downloaded off the net and then modified to make sure I didn't step on any toes. It is a fairly good rep of the work I need it to do, but I may need to tighten up spaces between parts, and most of my design use fewer and larger parts resulting in less paths between parts for cutting.

Thanks for the help!!!
Sam

[Chip]

Hi, Sam

I'll look at your file now, Where do you live.

What is the gray outline? Its a box I deleted

What all the gray lines that can be moved around? (Rapids?) Yes sorta, thy don't post though

Is there a way to tell the software it is not allowed to break thru any chains with cuts? Just have to move the lead-in around some I think

Or to connect one cut to the next without going to an edge? Probably need to move  lead-in then edit the G-code.

It's still bata ver, It try's but needs help now and then.

Thanks, Chip

[Chip]

Hi, Sam

When you load a dxf select Hot Wire Mode, Clean & Optomize, Use Foam 2D, Create Path and move lead-ins around as needed.

Two examples to look at, The second one G-code edited for one in and one out path.

Thanks, Chip

[gotswrv]

Sorry it took so long to get back here Chip, guess it's been a good weekend.

I've been messing around some more, looks like what I though I was doing before, but the results are how you show them... Only thing else I would like to know how to do is create a control point in the moves between cuts. On the CMMs at work it would be known as a move point.
Any idea how hard it would be to add a function like this into the program? One that would allow me to select a chain, them hold ctrl+M and click to add a move point along a lead. Sounds easy to me, but I know nothing of how to make something like this happen...

Thanks again Chip, not sure what I was doing wrong before, but this is almost exactly what I was try to do. At least the top pic...

Thanks,
Sam

Edit:
I'm near Kansas City BTW

[Chip]

Hi, Sam

I don't think any features will be added to LazyCam for awhile, Well until Mach gets a work-over-tune-up.

The second picture and G-code file, It's using the top cir's lead-in to allow a clear path in and out for the other cir's to be cut, (Some G-code editing needed).

Thanks, Chip

[gotswrv]

I see where you were going with the second pic now.

Thanks for all the help, looks like I have more than enough to make it work for me. Maybe later down the road they can make it a little better too.

Thanks again,
Sam