Topics

1

Third party software and hardware support forums. / BobART

« on: August 08, 2012, 06:04:32 PM »

The BobART software is an add on for BobCAD CAM.  By adding the BobART  it gives you options to work with image files like PDF, AI, ESP.  You can also work with raster images like,  BMP, PNG, JPEG, GIF, TIF and many more. 

So how do use use this.  It's simple bring an image in, trace it emboss it and machine it. 


Step 1 :  Load an image file

There are 2 options for loading an image file. 

RT Click on the BobART Manager


img upload

Or

RT Click on Images 


upload photo


Step 2: Trace the image

At this point you have 2 options,  you can vectorize the image or trace over it.

The result we are looking for is a wire frame out line of the part we want to emboss.


In other words we want to go from this:


free image hosting

To This


photo hosting


How is this done?  Well it's really simple!  Use this video link to learn more.

http://screencast.com/t/RZbP6YBKrl4w

Step 3: Emboss it

Now that we have the traced image we want to emboss it, or give it thickness and depth.  This is done using the emboss model features in BobART.  You can take closed chains ( what we created when tracing the image) and emboss them.  There are many options for embossing. 


upload photo


Use this video link to learn how to emboss with BobART

http://screencast.com/t/nGHN3a4v40



upload pictures


Step 4: Machine it

This would be your final step, cutting the part.  What you are looking to do is create tool path for the embossed model. 

The result would look like this


upload photo


Use this video link to learn more: http://screencast.com/t/KV901FkDE

Give it a try yourself!

2

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Feature Profile: Internal Corner Types

« on: August 06, 2012, 12:12:58 PM »

When working with inside shapes that have a male mate it is necessary to relief the corner, sometimes...


upload pictures

( top view of mate )

A good example of needing this relief would be a door manufacture.  If you are cutting windows in your doors for a stain glass insert you would need a relief corner like the about example. 


image host

Example of a sharp corner result


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Example of a bisect line corner result




How do you do this?

There are many options for creating this relief, drilling the corners, drawing a profile of what you want to cut, doing it manually....


How does does BobCAD-CAM do this?

BobCAD gives you options for your corner types. 


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Using our internal bisect line corner type you can create this type of relief automatically. 

Watch this video to learn more:  http://screencast.com/t/OJDVLGyi


To learn about corner types or other BobCAD CAM features feel free to call me and sign up for our weekly webinar.  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/261745984

3

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Drag Knife

« on: July 27, 2012, 01:04:17 PM »

I know mach 3 has a macro for using a C axis drag knife.  Why question is if you are cutting a start shape.  All the video's I've seen show cutting profiles like an ellipse or arc.  What happens when you cut straight lines at different angles.  Will the C axis align with the cut for each line of a star.  Tool up over down, cut line, up rotate down cut line etc etc.

Any information on this would be great.

4

Promote and discuss your product / Learn the truth about BobCAD-CAM

« on: April 13, 2012, 10:58:56 AM »

You’ve heard about BobCAD CAM, but have you seen the software in action?
Participate in this special on line demonstration and learn the truth about world’s most powerful, affordable CAD CAM system.

This presentation will be hosted by Cody Sheppard, where he will walk you through 2D and 3D programming examples.  Learn about features and benefits BobCAD CAM offers.

Sign up today
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/261745984

If you have any questions or comments about participating in this event please feel free to contact me.

Al DePoalo
BobCAM Team Leader
866-408-3226 X147
 

5

Third party software and hardware support forums. / V24 Lessons

« on: April 10, 2012, 03:59:52 PM »

Profile Wizard:
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/v24-using-theprofile-wizard.pdf

Hole Wizard
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/v24-using-the-hole-wizard.pdf

Simple Z level Roughing
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/v24-simple-z-level-roughing.pdf

2 Axis Engraving
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/v24-engraving.pdf

V Carve
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/v-carve.pdf

Design & Machine Parts Part 1
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/design-and-machine-part.pdf

Design & Machine Parts Part 2
http://www.bobcad.com/wp-content/media/lessons/v24/design-and-machine-part-2.pdf

6

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Profile cutting options BobCAD CAM

« on: February 08, 2012, 10:21:26 AM »

Cutting Profiles with BobCAD-CAM

Profile cutting is so common almost any 2D part you machine requires this type of tool path. From finishing the wall of a pocket to cutting around the outside shape of a part, profiling is essential.
We offer 3 types of profile options that accommodate for different profiling needs. These options can be found under patterns of the Mill 2 Axis Wizard

Standard:
Our standard profile cuttings allow for a rough and finish tool, stock for finish, lead in / out options and step down in z. This is the most common profile cutting tool path.
Watch a video to learn more: http://screencast.com/t/uaoSCEa1e

Contour Ramping:
This option allows you to ramp the tool around any profile. Common uses are for helical milling & slot milling. You control the angle of cut or a step down distance.
Watch a video to learn more: http://screencast.com/t/PB7txTXU7RL

Side Roughing:
Allow you to walk the tool in to a profile. Works best where you have more stock to cut then the cutter can take on a single pass.
Watch a video to learn more: http://screencast.com/t/4TNtJHmvWXW


With all profile cutting features you have compensation options, Allowing BobCAD to offset for the cutter, or to call cutter comp (G41 G42). These compensation options allow for wear comp, cutter comp, and center line cutting.

Using our profile tool path you can cut slots, shoulders, letters, holes, filets, t slots, dove tails, form shapes and other common every day 2D milling features.


If you have any questions please let me know.

Al DePoalo
BobCAM Team Leader

7

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / BobCAD CAM Software

« on: January 18, 2012, 05:29:29 PM »

Hello Everyone,

I have come to this community to learn about everyone's CAD CAM programming needs, and to shed some light on using BobCAD.  If there are any topics you would like covered just ask.

Thanks

Al DePoalo
BobCAM Team Leader

How to use the software:

This video walks through the steps of opening a DXF file and moving the part to zero.

http://screencast.com/t/gsp2dmGlrW


This video walks you through the steps of cleaning up geometry and using layers to organize your part.

http://screencast.com/t/DmCb37GxcKne


This video walks you through the steps of drilling and tapping the holes for this sample drawing.

http://screencast.com/t/MobJSgYy


This video walks you through the steps of cutting the slots for this drawing. We are using the profile feature and contour ramping, which will ramp down to cut the slot out.

http://screencast.com/t/5nAZynCXsLj


This video walks through the steps of cutting the pockets. I show how you can use top of job to change where the tool starts cutting from. Using top of part settings is great for when you are cutting a pocket inside a pocket. This way you don’t cut air.

http://screencast.com/t/2f5ygHtwNAV


This video walks through the steps of cleaning up the walls of the pockets. I use the profile feature with side roughing. This allows the tool to walk into the wall and clear any extra stock that might have been left over.

http://screencast.com/t/Gs1OOnJGLE


This video walks through the steps of simulating your program and posting code.

http://screencast.com/t/8XhegHm5p8u


Question: If my simulation show the tools cutting in the wrong order, how do I change that?

Answer: The machining order can be set to ” individual tool ” or ” individual Feature”
Watch this video to learn more: http://screencast.com/t/PA4z4205


Question: Why does the software call more than one tool when drilling a hole. What if I only want to call a drill, instead of a center drill, a drill and a chamfer tool?

Answer: We use tool patters to optimize hole making processes. The idea is to call and program all the tools need to make the kind of hole you want to make. You can customize the patters to fit your needs. Watch this video to learn how: http://screencast.com/t/0vkwZ8WgFd