Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Drools on July 29, 2009, 12:30:29 PM
-
I just finished my router build and I would like to test it out with some easy text, a couple of 9x12 signs for work. Nothing too stressful on the machine.
What I can say is this process has been stressful for me! I have AutoCAD 2008 and I have done the text there and saved it as a dxf. Then I tried to open it with lazyCAM, well the resulting gcode was nothing more than 2 squares on the screen.
I downloaded inkscape and did the same thing however LazyCAM did not display anything and I received a OpenGL error from LazyCAM.
I tried several other apps some worked but only to produce the word "DEMOVERSION" and other software just did not produce gcode Mach3 liked.
Is there an easy way to do this?
Thanks
-
Look up DeskEngrave it is free (;-)
(;-) TP
-
In AutoCAD, use the Express Tools explode text function, then save as v12 .dxf, and it should work.
The Best way is to buy V-Carve Pro. ;)
-
There is a section in the LazyCam Manual , in Members Docs, which deals with text.
LC and DeskEngrave work but are limited for text.
if you are going to do a lot of text or engraving, take Ger21's advice. Text can be a real PITA because of font. And some specialized programs should make it easy. I haven't tried v-carve pro.
RICH
-
Hi, Drools
Exploding the text should do it, Hera's a picture of LazyCam screen.
Chip
-
Yep I got it working that far but it looks like there are 2 layers and only one layer shows up in Mach3 control screen.
Is that normal?
-
DROOL,
When you export from AutoCad you will get two layers because , can't turn off Layer O ( def??somthing )in Cad
and the text ,I'm guessing, is on a layer.If you select the layer in the Project infomation, that layer and all the
enties in it will highlight in the dispaly screen. Expand the chain, is there anything in it?, if not you can probably delete it.
I don't know what you did, so tuff to tell, take a look at the manual.
Post your DXF file.
RICH
-
Or put everything on layer zero and use the purge command to remove the extra layers. Defpoints layer is created when dimensions are used. If all dimensions are deleted, you can delete the defpoints layer.
-
very frustrating, the words look fine in lazyCAM but when running AutoClean and exporting to Mach3 it gets messed up.
-
Will take a look at the files.
RICH
-
When using the text explode in AutoCAD, idealy, afetr it's exploded, you'll want to trim out the extra lines it adds inside the letters. A better way might be to use a program like OutlineArt to create the .dxf. http://www.dwgtool.com/outline.htm
-
I opened the dxf in CAD, exploded the lines in the letter "A", deleted the lines in green, save the Dxf.
1. Import dxf into LC
2. Select Mill Module
3. Clean and turn off rapids,
4.You can select the same lines in " A" and delete them in LC ( probably quicker in CAD ) to clean up the text.
5. Open LAYER menu, pick or create a tool ( sen to all layers ) , then define Cut parameters ( send to layer )
6. Post code to Mach3 Mill
The picture on the bottom shows the file in Mach3. Note the extra rapids in letters like P, R,Q and the extra lines are actually cutting paths. So if you want to cut the just the outlines of the Text, suggest you clean them up.
Basicaly all in the manual. :)
PS: took longer to type this than from LC to Mach3 ;)
RICH
-
I'm even having a tough time replying on here, maybe I should just give up for tonight.
Anyway here is what I get while following your procedure. I did the clean up in AutoCAD.
or I get just the last word "EQUIPMENT" and part of the word above.
Very strange.
-
I imported your drawing, and just exploded the right half of the A, and then deleted the two lines.
Looks like you deleted parts of all the letters in CAD.
RICH
-
GERRY,
Looks like a nice suplemental program to Acad for the price.
Have you used much?
RICH
-
That is the thing, no I did not delete something I was not supposed to delete. The text looks fine in LC but for some reason when LC is generating the gcode it gets messed up?
Well this is strange, I just went and opened Mach3 again to do another screen shot and I loaded the same file that I took the first screen shot and it looks fine in Mach3? I think it is Mach3 that is not working correctly maybe...
-
I'm downloading the REV E manual now, I'm persistant I will get it working. I notice that the ET- "Explode Text" does not explode completely. To clean up the text I have been selecting individual letters and using a normal explode to get to the segments that need deleting.
-
DROLL,
Off for some R&R. Back in a few days, till then
Have fun,
RICH
-
I tested the program Outline Art and with its one line demo limitation it worked fine.
-
I'm downloading the REV E manual now, I'm persistant I will get it working. I notice that the ET- "Explode Text" does not explode completely. To clean up the text I have been selecting individual letters and using a normal explode to get to the segments that need deleting.
Sometimes you may get duplicate lines. Be sure to remove them.
-
I have really been trying to get this working. I'm at the point where I might try a different control software.
Here are some screen shots of what I have.
Firstly LC with DXF imported and all steps followed.
Second, the exported g-code in NCPlot 1.2
Third, the Mach3 screen of the same g-code.
Maybe someone can load my g-code and tell me if it is doing the same on there computer.
-
Just treid your gcode and it looks good here (I know my colors on the toolpaths are different as I have them set that way).
Not sure why Mach 3 is acting that way for you though, what version are you running and is it registered/paid for?
Dave
(http://q46oyg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1peYftNX2Lcl_j_kkmsYRZQeJqylk0CZXHETPcZ6uLDRMsfastT4qc4QjWF4bp5Pd9cokYXvqjcpjyMYgWiugsHcXes4R60kum/fallprobudman.bmp)
-
It is a demo, the demo has a 500 line limit and I was think I could route one line (up to 500) at a time. I think it will display the complete file but only route up to the 500 line point right?
-
No, it'll only display 500 lines of code in the toolpath window.
Try breaking the .dxf into separate lines of text, and saving each line as it's own .dxf
-
oh well that is probably the whole problem then.
Very good I will give that a shot.
Thanks for all your help.
-
how long to get a licence key if I order it tonight?
-
I hope the Licence team works on Sunday :)
-
Thanks for the file Scott.
Other than the Lazyview: OpenGL error when I press the button "Mach3 load" I can now see the complete file in Mach3. I post the file using the OutPut menu in LazyCAM and it works that way.
Thanks
Brent