Machsupport Forum
G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: toppcatt22 on June 12, 2007, 02:14:39 PM
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??? ??? I have a 3-D wireframe turboCAD drawing as well as the .DXF that I want to convert to a G code. So far no luck but I have yet to purchase the product, is this why I am experiencing troubles? Also, does mach3 do the 3D stimulation?
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You will have to drop the file into a 3d CAM system and generate the code, then mach will run the code.
Graham.
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I'm basically needing to do the same thing. I need to convert a dxf file into gcode. Any suggestions of what software? Nick.
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LazyCAM Pro will do the 2D/2.5D stuff, if your budget stretches into 1000,s then look at AlphaCAM, OneCNC, MasterCAM, BobCAD/CAM, Etc.
Graham.
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Hi I have access to master cam any tutorials on how to do this I can use the computer with master cam if I take the files I make with me
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I'm looking into getting a cnc engraver, working to turn rhino 3d files into 3d models. The chinese vendor of one machine says that their machine, which comes with a controller (creation cte 3025), can run ".nc" files only. Can LazyCAM convert Rhino files in ".nc" format? Does it need to for the engraver to work (not getting many clear answers from the vendor) ? If not, then can I simply install Mach 3 instead as the controller software and run with LazyCAM?
Thanks
Don
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Hi Don,
I think the .NC files will be text based g-code files. The best thing to do is ask them for a sample .NC file and post it here for us to look at.
Graham.
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Graham,
here's a sample .nc file.
Thanks
Don
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All you have to do to use the files is change the extension to .TAP, They will then load into Mach
Graham.
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K- that was easy- thanks and happy holidays!
Don
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:)
Graham.
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I think I have a similar problem today I received some DFX files (very simple project) to try out the system but I can't get then into meaningful gcode anyone offer any help.......I'm sure I am just missing the obvious!
Thanks
I would attach one of the files if I could see how! It's only 21k.
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Click 'Additional Options' at the bottom left of the reply screen.
Graham.
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Thanks I was using the 'quick reply' so didn't get that option!
Got to go out but will check for wisdom later .......thanks guys!
It's a little bird box BTW!
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Try this :-
it uses a 3mm end mill and cuts 3mm deep.
Graham.
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Graham that is brilliant! So are you willing to tell me how you worked that magic ......I had just spent 2hrs getting nowhere!
Thanks for the help.
Jim
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Can anyone put me right on this - Graham made it look so easy! I've got six files to convert and anything I try just gives me about six lines of rubbish code! I have hunted the web for some suitable software but it's all megabucks! I have tried - import DXF option in Mach 3- but the g code it generates does not resemble the component, although the component is shown correctly in the import window.
Thanks
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Hey old.bodger, I assume you are using LazyCam.
Have you viewed the video tutorials for LazyCam. They sould guide you through the process and answer most if not all of your questions.
Piece of cake.
Of course you need the license to generate any code when offsetting.
Regards,
RC
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Thanks for that Overloaded, caused a big step forward as I hadn't discovered Lazycam ! Seems I must have not installed it (I assume that that is possible?) probably some ignorant box clicking at installation!
Now for the step backwards......firstly I watched the Video and was really happy that it would do all that I needed.
Redid the prog. download and re installed and rebooted. I now have Lazycam in the file drop down box and this fires up the version of lazycam as per the video (v 2.00.031) , BUT,' when I try to import the .dfx files it reports ' no entities found in imports'.
Again BUT! I also seem to have gained a desktop icon to lazycam V3.00 this opens the files exactly as they should look but of course nothing matches the tutorials ( I think I downloaded this version by error whilst trying to work out why I didn't have lazycam) .......Stalemate!
I am so confused now how should I progress????
Thanks all
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I make my drawings in AutoCad Lite, then export the dwg to the LCam samples folder, which is in the Mach3 folder. That miraculously converts the file to a dxf. Click "Open DXF" in LCam and go from there.
I have no idea if this is the proper method...I'm new at this. But hey....it works for me. (knock knock)
How did you create your drawings ?
Post another one....let's have a look.
RC
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They are part of a future project for children at the school that I work at and the originals were given to me as a sample project by a large UK manufacturer of cnc machines (permission to use also given) but I have now got to sort the G code. I attach the backplate of the birdbox as an example of the files that I was given. Thanks for your help.
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Save the dxf files in the LCamSamples folder. Open one and it should look like the pic.
Choose your tools, define the offsets like in the videos and VIOLA...(french...I think) LCam does the rest.
It's MAGIC.
RC
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Do I need the full version (licensed) for that because of the offsets?
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Yes, you do.
It will not post G code without it.
There's still some bugs in LCam, but I think it's still worth it.
After all, there aren't many options that fit my budget.
Good luck,
RC