Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: sparkyengle on November 28, 2012, 07:18:13 AM
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I was wondering if someone could help me with a question. I watch videos of people, running Mach, and are able to cut circles and other shapes with arcs smoothly with no hesitation in thier cutting. I am using Artcam with a Mach 2 (inch) postprocesser. I have it set to CV. Not sure what else to try. Thanks, Andy.
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Andy,
Could you Zip and attach a sample of your GCode ??
Tweakie.
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Here is a sample of some circles.
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Hi Andy,
Your GCode circle consists of straight lines - you will get smoother movements if your toolpath is created using Arcs. (see attachment)
Check the CAD/CAM software that you are using to create the toolpath and select the Arcs option.
Tweakie.
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Artcam does have an option to create in arcs, but the PP will not allow it to create the Gcode w/ arcs. I tried it both ways, (W/ and W/o arcs), and there is no change in the final code.
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Hi Andy,
That surprises me - if Artcam has a Mach3 Arcs post processor then it should create arcs, unless of course you are importing a .dxf circle (or similar) rather than one created within Artcam.
Tweakie.
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That is the problem, Artcam has no Mach 3 arcs PP. It has a Mach 2 inch and mm PP. In CAD, the objects are created using arcs, it just doesnt post Gcode with arcs. I was sent a PP by a fellow CNC'R that I am going to try tonight. It all runs smooth in simulation so i'll give it a try.Thank you for your help. Andy
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Andy,
Try the Artcam Mach2 Arcs pp. ;)
Tweakie.
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There isn't one. Only A Mach2(inch), and a Mach2(mm).
On a side note...You, Tweakie, are the reason I am spending every waking hour of free time working on my CNC. The things you have done are truely an inspiration to thoes of us who want to do more than just cut signs on our routers and mills. My biggest issue I have is after I FINALLY figure out somthing new to try, (Tangential cutting, Laser etching, 4th axis stuff etc...) I have no real need for it and end up looking for something new to try. Please continue to give me something to shoot for. Thanks, Andy
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;D ;D ;D
Hi Andy,
Perhaps someone else, who uses Artcam, can chime in on this one but it seems inconceivable that a Mach 2/3 Arcs post processor is not available.
Have you tried contacting Artcam to ask them ??
Tweakie.
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Well this would explain my issue. Not really a problem but I created an ellipse (14"x7") using the default ellipse tool in Mastercam X5 and imported the G-code into Mach3. The cut looks good but the bit will move about 1/4" at a time and then pause, then move again. I have cut curved shapes that were created in Mastercam and they cut fine. The ellipse cut looks good but it does create a little extra work smoothing the edges with sandpaper. Not sure how to fix it as I don't know how else to that shape manually. But it is good enough for what I am doing. But this post just solved my curiosity of this.
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I too am having the same issues. To the point that the router actually begins to rattle. I am using MasterCamX2 to create the programs. Cuts great in straight lines but hesitates and "jerks". I cut letters for a sign shop and I'm afraid that this is causing damage to the router.
Help please.