Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => FAQs => Topic started by: rcheng111 on March 09, 2012, 01:19:59 AM

Title: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: rcheng111 on March 09, 2012, 01:19:59 AM

Hi Everyone

I am new to MACH3, but I have been using a CNC machine especially for Drilling and surface milling of PCB Boards. I just purchased a hobby CNC, and I want to know if it is possible to convert NC files to G-Code files, and then to MACH 3 connected to my hobby CNC for drilling and routing

Any help would be appreciated

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 09, 2012, 02:45:41 AM

Hi rcheng111,

No problem.

You could use the free program Eagle and it's associated processor to create both the PCB and the drill file but there are also many other alternatives to choose from.

Here is a link to get you started http://pcbgcode.org/

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: rcheng111 on March 10, 2012, 04:58:32 AM

Hi Tweakie

Thanks for the link. I will try it out, and let you know how I get on.

Thanks again


Raymond

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 10, 2012, 05:24:54 AM

Thanks Ray,

I look forward to seeing your results.

Tweakie.

A sample of the quick and easy method of 'isolation routing'  ;)

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: nzinoz on July 03, 2012, 06:42:02 AM

Quote from: rcheng111 on March 09, 2012, 01:19:59 AM

Hi Everyone

I am new to MACH3, but I have been using a CNC machine especially for Drilling and surface milling of PCB Boards. I just purchased a hobby CNC, and I want to know if it is possible to convert NC files to G-Code files, and then to MACH 3 connected to my hobby CNC for drilling and routing

Any help would be appreciated

Hi rcheng111 you should be able to use .NC files in Mach3 as they are.

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: Tweakie.CNC 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.

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: nzinoz on August 16, 2012, 03:14:07 AM

Quote from: Tweakie.CNC 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.

Hi Tweakie thought you may like to look at this http://www.cambam.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=414.0 (http://www.cambam.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=414.0)

Title: Re: Can Mach3 Do PCB Drilling using an NC file
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 16, 2012, 03:47:50 AM

Hi Nick,

Thank you for posting the link.

I can never get enough knowledge.  ;)

Tweakie.