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General Mach Discussion / What CAD system to use with MACH3 & LazyCam

« on: September 22, 2008, 02:16:54 PM »

Hi All, I'm new to all this but have experience with PCB CAD. I am a model engineer and am currently converting a Mill to CNC. I am impressed with the Mach3 software and would like to use it, but I am having trouble getting my brain round interfacing with the various pieces of software. I would like to use the Alibre 3D cad design software but cannot understand how to output the 3D information into the Artsoft software. I can see how to make a flat item and just rout round the outside like a spanner, but how is the z-axis programmed to coincide with the x&y movements?

I guess I am missing something. I have no problems interfacing the computer with the machine. Is there any other CAD design system (Preferably cheap!!) that anyone can recommend?

Thanks,

Dave