Machsupport Forum
G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: alexus on February 04, 2012, 10:39:35 PM
-
Hi, i'm trying to learn how to mill simple 3D parts out of wax. I did sample model (knob) in SolodWorks, and i saved it as STL file. Then imported to CamBam to do G code but i dont really know what i am doing.
So maybe some one can help me out by pointing to video or text tutorial? So far I learned how to do 2D cuts with Mach3 now need to figure out how to cut SW models.
Thanks a lot for helping :)
-
I would say the CAMBAM site is the place to start there are videos and tutorials there for all you want to do.
Graham
-
alexus,
See the attached on basic steps. You realy need to read the manual since you must know how to set the job up, what each of the parameters are for and how they will affect the pathing. Just for info CB dosen't compensate for a ball mill radius / curvature
as compared to an end mill, the pathing is limited ( horizontal & vertical ?) as compared to some other programs.
READ THE MANUAL and although similar to 2D there is more to consider and set than 2D.
It is a nice program though.... IMHO,
RICH
-
thanks a lot for reply! I guess I will read the manual and check CB website... 1 more quick question: how to i save G code in CB for a 3d object? so Mach3 can read it? The *.cb file?
And i guess another question: if CB is not that good for 3d then what would be best 3D cam program to work with SW models? One that is easy to learn. Tnx!
-
how to i save G code in CB for a 3d object
You right click in the graphics area, then in the flyout select "Produce gcode" and save it to a place of your choice, then
load / run the file in Mach.
if CB is not that good for 3d
I didn't say that, I only mentioned some limitations, only you can decide, and you need to walk some before you run.
would be best 3D cam program
All depends on how you will do work, how much money you want to spend, if you like the software interface, time you may may
need to learn the software. So there is a lot of "you" in determining selection and what is fine for me you may hate. ;)
RICH
-
ok then i will rephrase the question :)
what are the most popular cam software out there with respect of 3d designs? :)
-
ProE, Solid Works, Partmaster, Vectric, Rhino, Dolphin, Meshcam to name a few.
RICH
-
so i can actually use SW to generate G-Code?
-
Not that familar with SW....but most of those major packages all have add-on CAM packages assoicated with or for them that can use their output files. Some are CAM only, some are CAD/CAM so you'll need to take a look what each offers.
Meshcam for example doesn't have any CAD.
RICH
-
ok tnx!
I guess i will need to do research :)
-
Yep, and take your time in doing it. ;)
Once you pick what you want off the self, you then pay for it, and there are no returns! ;D
RICH
-
returns are in 30 days lol :)
-
You will find that shopping for software is not llike going to Walmart's for a shirt,
thus not liking it after the fact will be no excuse for return. ::) :D
RICH
-
there are trial version though :)
-
Yep,
Before I croak let me know how your evaluation of them all works out.......... ???
RICH
-
Generally, the ones that cost more than $1500 can read native solidworks files, and extract features from them for more efficient machining. The ones that are cheaper (usually $300 or less) can only import .stl files, and are not the most efficient.
If your parts are mostly "mechanical" in nature, it's often much more efficient to export 2D .dxf drawings, and use a 2D CAM program.
-
lol i will, ill jsut go through the lsit untill i will be able to mill out my test part :)
-----
ger21, i have reasonably high budget... but i dont mind saving money, we plan to use CNC to build some test parts locally instead of ordering them. Most of them are aesthetic panels for nonelectric devices, accentually mold injection bodies.
-
I'd look at MeshCAM.
-
will get demo now to see what it is :)
tnx
-
FWIW,
I do all my 3D in Autocad and save as a stl file. The stl file is used by MeshCam and generates the gcode.
It works quite well for what I'm doing. Most of the prep work here is done in CAD so that there is no need to manipulate the file
in MeshCam. Just the way I am working. The MeshCam pathing is more advanced than CamBam 's and one can quickly modify
parameters and see the results. Cutviewer Mill is used to check out the generated code and have found it very helpfull when and if the generated code needs to be modified. As a hobbiest, didn't want to spend a fortune, but then it all works for me.
Your choice may certainly be different since it's a buisness decision.
RICH
-
just did project in MeshCam (lets cut a sphere) loaded coede in Mach3 so far i see rough pass but no finishing is that normal? I will get my wax cut and will see what will be milled out but i think finishing was omited even though it was checked in MeshCam