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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / CAD/CAM Questions

« on: September 02, 2015, 05:18:07 PM »

Hi everyone - I realize there are already threads on CAD/CAM but still felt that I should start this one as I have a specific question. Basically, I need to find a combination of CAD/CAM and CNC machine interface controller that works best for me. I have already purchased Mach 3 and so would like to use it. I also have a TB6560 control board. As for the CAD/CAM end of things, my objective is to use a program that is both free, and very commonly used. Therefore, I'm thinking of learning AutoCAD 2015 (as there are many great tutorials online), and then using a CAM software for generating a tool path. With all of that having been said, here are the questions that I have:

(1) Does AutoCad (the free version) generate G-Code?

(2) Assuming AutoCad does generate g-code, which CAM program would I have to use this with to create a tool path?

(3) Will all of this work with Mach 3?

(4) This next question may sound silly, but I am still new to all of this so please forgive me in advance.... But basically, I wanted to confirm my understanding of order of operation. My understanding is that a design is made on AutoCad, then a G-code is provided, and then a tool path is created. Is this correct? Or is the g-code provided after the tool path is created?

(5) Is Mach3 able to generate g-code from imported geometry?

Thank you in advance.

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General Mach Discussion / First time user of this site with some basic level Mach3 questions.

« on: November 06, 2014, 04:19:05 PM »

Hi everyone,

This is my first time using this site, so let me begin by saying that if I am supposed to make this post somewhere else that is better more appropriate, I apologize in advance.

I would like to use the Mach3 software, and I am trying to gather my basic hardware to do this. I do not have a really old computer that has a parallel port, so according to the Mach3 website I need to use an external motion device. I went on e-bay and came across a unit called "UC100 USB motion controller". I have a few questions/comments about using this:

(a) If I go with the UC100 USB motion controller, does this entirely eliminate the need for a parallel port?

(b) I know laptops are generally not recommended for CNC cutting, but I have an old one that is no longer in use, and I can adjust the power settings so that it does not go into hibernate/sleep mode. However, the unit is currently running on Windows 7 64-bit. If I re-flash the hard drive to Windows 7 32-bit and get the UC100, can I then use Mach3 on my laptop?

(c) Does the aforementioned present any problems if my goal is to use Mach3 for 4-axis CNC foam cutting?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

William James