Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Feature Requests => Topic started by: wvancura on July 30, 2010, 02:57:25 PM
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I would like to see a built in grid that can be set with a Z depth and grid spacing (as well as on and off).
Purpose: When cutting flat stock there is the problem of the part being cut free from the stock and it bouncing into the tool, both damaging the part and breaking the tool. This problem could be minimized by setting up a grid that the tool will not cut into as it is cutting out the part. Currently, to prevent the part from coming loose from the stock, one must stop cutting before cutting all the way through the material, and cleanup can be very difficult if the flash is too thick. One could manually program in several links between the work and the stock so that the work will not come loose and could be snapped free after the job is done. However, it is very difficult to program in such links unless very specialized software is used. However, if an internal grid existed in the CNC software, the operator would only need to set the link grid to stock thickness minus the link size as desired, and would proceed to cut the part out to full depth. The CNC software would then automatically step over the grid while cutting the part to the desired depth.
I think that the link should be some shape (perhaps half circle or ramp) that would allow for smooth tool travel while cutting over the link. By setting a grid spacing, one can control how many links will hold the work to the stock. The grid might be best centered on 0,0.
If the link were a 45-deg ramp, the Z depth setting would determine the link size in the finished cut. If the link grid settings were controlled by G-CODE, even better.
Is something like this reasonably possible?
Thanks, Bill
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Is something like this reasonably possible?
Not in Mach3. You're looking for tabs, which are done in a CAM program that creates your g-code. Vectric's Cut2D lets you easily add them manually.
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/cut2D/c2d_features.htm
If you step up to V-Carve Pro, it'll add them automatically.