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FAQs / Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
« on: July 03, 2012, 08:05:48 AM »
Hi Nick,
As you have, quite correctly, pointed out Mach3 is able open / load an ‘.nc’ file.
Unfortunately, nothing is ever truly simple and the (Excellon format) .nc drill files contain many commands that Mach3 does not recognize also the absence of the Z axis commands further complicates the issue.
Just for reference http://www.excellon.com/manuals/program.htm
There are, however, a number of ‘free to use’ converter programs (some work better than others) to create GCode files from .nc files and one such program can be found here http://hans-w.com/download.htm
The similar Gerber files (.gbr) can, in many instances, be handled by LazyCam which will create the necessary GCode for Mach3 use but I have never tried LazyCam with an .nc drill file - maybe it could be persuaded ??
Hope this helps.
Tweakie.
As you have, quite correctly, pointed out Mach3 is able open / load an ‘.nc’ file.
Unfortunately, nothing is ever truly simple and the (Excellon format) .nc drill files contain many commands that Mach3 does not recognize also the absence of the Z axis commands further complicates the issue.
Just for reference http://www.excellon.com/manuals/program.htm
There are, however, a number of ‘free to use’ converter programs (some work better than others) to create GCode files from .nc files and one such program can be found here http://hans-w.com/download.htm
The similar Gerber files (.gbr) can, in many instances, be handled by LazyCam which will create the necessary GCode for Mach3 use but I have never tried LazyCam with an .nc drill file - maybe it could be persuaded ??
Hope this helps.
Tweakie.