Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Benny on April 14, 2008, 06:56:21 PM
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Download a fully working FREE 2D CAD package from here.
I cant tell you much about it yet since I am currently downloading it myself.
From what I have heard it is quite a comprehensive package.
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/free2d/index.shtml
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Here is a screen capture of what it looks like.
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and another..
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Hi Benny,
Will this produce G-Code for M3?
Thanks, Glenn :)
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Hi Benny,
Will this produce G-Code for M3?
Thanks, Glenn :)
Not directly, no, but indirectly yes.
You design with this and then use a CAM program to make the Gcode. I havnt checked out the current status of LAZYCAM of recent, but I would suspect it would easily handle making Gcode from the dxf files this produces.
The missing gap with the Artsoft collection is good CAD software. This should fill that gap quite nicely for those who want a FREE CAD solution.
Remembering this is 2D software, with LAZTCAM you could do all sorts of 2.5D Milling or cutting. Great for those with CNC routers and Mills.
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Benny,I'm trying it! :)
Thanks,
Glenn
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To whoever downloads the software, let us know what your think.
I think its pretty good so far, especially been free.
What do you think about it?
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Their server seems real slow, has anyone else had this problem? Perhaps it's just time of day and traffic.
Kristin
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Yes Kristin,
It was so slow last night that I had to cancel half way through
just to put my computer, kids and myself to bed...Benny, I will try it again soon.
Kristin , Did you ever get your computer problems sorted with a more
powerful tower?
Glenn
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Glenn,
I finally managed to download it, seems most of the problem was on my end (I think) I had a new wireless card and it seemed after about 15 hours something went wrong, buzzing coming out of my monitor speaker with the vol all the way down. Swapped it with another and woosh 25 min later had downloaded solid edge.
I have had little time to play and learn yet but... I was able to draw shapes, dimension, measure volume all in under 5 min without reading anything just following the tool tips as to what they do! It looks pretty user friendly at least not like AutoCad and clones. Now to really learn it and put it to use.
As for the PC issue, I have two 1.7MHz P4's on the way, cube style with CD-ROM drives, plenty of USB ports, serial, LPT port and no HDD (Got a pile of them saved just for this) I will install the software, make a few backup HDD's so it will be a quick swap if something goes south + having a 2nd backup PC, all for about $100. A LCD monitor for another $50 and with my collection of keyboards, mice, trackballs I should be ready to rock and roll, well at least do something. (Jethro Tull- "too old to rock and roll, but too young to die")
Just received 6 replacement driver chips for my HobbyCNC Pro board today so I need to drill and tap a couple of heatsinks and get them on the board ready for the big test this weekend. I have several options for powersupply so that's not a worry I just hope the 74HC14's didn't take a hit too all I can get local are 74HCT04 hex inverters and I am not sure they will work although they are pin for pin the same with very close specs.
A few more visits from UPS, USPS, FedX and I should be good to go. It's just a pain waiting for parts to arrive one at a time from many sources and I still have to design and build motor mounts among other things.
Kristin
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Kristin D,
I always love anticipating a package from ups/ usps!! It's like
Christmas when it arrives! It sounds like you know way more about
computers/electronics than I, and with this forums' assistance I was
able to assemble a router from bits and pieces and it almost works, I'm sure
yours will be up and running in no time!
Benny,
Solid edge works as a cad program and it converts nicely with a dxf file to LC (just like
you said it would). As a test I drew an outline using straight lines and fillets...no freehand
drawing, Lazy Cam still can't handle converting these into g-code.
THANKS Benny for turning us on to this free CAD program! :)
Cheers,
Glenn
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Glad it working for you.
Who knows, if it stays free, it may become our forum members standard.
We really should do a CNC on a budget chart, were people are can see the cheapest and most effective way to get in.
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Benny,
Do you know this program well? I am trying to line up two DFX's (worm and worm gear) and not having much luck, there is supposed to be centerline option but darned if I can find it or how to use it if I do. I can send the file if you want so you can see what I am trying to do.
Kristin
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Sorry Kristian, I have had 30 minutes using it. When you find the answer, post it here. :)
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I like SolidEdge so far, I've been using it on a few small jobs over the last few weeks and I'll probably move over to it for good. Its a little sluggish to fire up, but I can live with that I guess.
Regarding the earlier post on positioning objects, here's how I do that. One thing about this package is its not quite as flexible as other package in allowing you to place the 0,0 origin of your drawing, but it can be done as discussed below.
I do my designs in the 2D model view as you are not constrained to working in a particular page size as you are in the other tabs. If you don't have the 2D model view as one of your page tabs there's a button you hit in one of the tool bars to generate it (can't remember exact name, has "model view" in it).
Then hit the Grid button. This will both turn grids on and show you the position of absolute zero in the model view at the intersection of the horiz. and vert. red lines.
You can now more easily move objects to place them where you want relative to 0,0 or each other.
Paul T.
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Thanks Paul,
I also got a good response on the Solid Edge BBS from one of the Semiens crew. Part of my "problem" was I was using the wrong DP for one of the gears so the result I got was not as expected! With that cleared up and the snap to grid thing it looks like I may yet figure this out.
I've noticed the sluggish startup also, and I get a warning my virtual memory is low every time, I'm only running 256Megs of memory so that is probably why. What the heck were we thinking when we used to run DOS on a 286/2MB with a 10MB hard drive!
Over all I like it so far with limited time using it, it seems to be fairly intuitive unlike AutoCad and the clones. I would be interested in seeing some more folks here report in and share how they are using it and any hoops they need to jump through to get a drawing exported to generate code. I'm new to this whole DIY CNC thing so it's going to be a learning curve to say the least.
Kristin
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"any hoops they need to jump through to get a drawing exported to generate code"
Exporting designs in .dfx format has worked fine for me going to both SheetCAM for 2.5D work and Rhino/RhinoCAM for 3D work.
Just do a "File Save As" and select the .dfx format. I would also suggest hitting the Advanced button and setting the specific format to the R12 version one, this version of the .dfx format gives you the best change of compatibility with other tools, it appears to remember this selection so you don't have to do it every time.
Keep in mind that the R12 version doesn't support splines (it converts polycurves to line segments) so if you need to export as splines you should use a later version.
Paul T.
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I used to use Solid Edges 2d drafting, I found it much easier than Acad etc, the auto align things really helped to keep line parallel, they used to do a free 3d program as well.
The first time I used it I thought Autodesk will have to do something about their pricing now but people are still buying it, I'd not bother with programs like Solid edges available for free.
I now do a lot less 2d drawing so I use another program now that opens a lot faster, as you've found it's a little slugish when opened :P
Steve