Messages

5471

FAQs / Re: Altium 9 to Mach3

« on: November 05, 2012, 12:05:18 PM »

Well it appears that the drill files exported from Altium 9 do not contain the Z axis data in Mach3 format.

The attached software is only an un-supported Beta release (please read the ‘about’ file) but it may do what is required. You perhaps need to change the file extension of the drill files from .nc to .txt in order to load them but they do seem to be processed OK.

I would be interested to hear if this software also handles your Gerber track data files as well.

Tweakie.

5472

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 05, 2012, 10:27:59 AM »

This gets more and more curious.

Loading your 'brackets.txt' file here – in the toolpath window, for program limits I get  X Range +0.0000 to +23.1351.

Are you saying that this is an incorrect dimension for the work ?

Tweakie.

5473

FAQs / Re: Altium 9 to Mach3

« on: November 05, 2012, 07:58:08 AM »

I would need to see an example of your .nc file but if it contains the Z axis data then it can be loaded directly into Mach3. Could you perhaps post or email me an example ??

Tweakie.

5474

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plunge is off from path

« on: November 05, 2012, 02:15:13 AM »

When creating the toolpath for your cutouts a 'lead-in' / 'lead-out' may help resolve your problem.

Tweakie.

5475

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 05, 2012, 01:39:08 AM »

I cut 1 of the braces yesterday and it worked well. It is when i try to cut all 6 that the problems occur.

Does your machine loose position ??
After cutting all 6 will it return to the exact starting position ??

Tweakie.

5476

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 04, 2012, 02:39:18 AM »

Yes i tested the code and yes it gave me a square within a square 3.75 x 3.75 (with a 1/2 bit)

Then it appears the problem lies within your Vectric layout or the Vectric GCode generation.
Which of the Vectric post processors are you using ??

Tweakie.

5477

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 03, 2012, 10:31:15 AM »

Did the test piece, I posted the code for, come out square ?

Tweakie.

5478

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 03, 2012, 05:14:42 AM »

Hi Magicman,

Try this test piece.

If it does not come out square then you may have your steps per unit incorrectly set for your X or Y axis or possibly your X and Y Scale DRO's are not both set to the same value (typically 1.0000).

Tweakie.

5479

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mill set-up problems.

« on: November 02, 2012, 12:32:56 PM »

Currently, the licenced copy of Mach3 is just stopping half way through our test parts, sort of inexplicably.

Hi Tom,

If you are only being allowed to run up to 500 lines of code then it may be to do with your license. Perhaps check with Scott at license@machsupport.com to verify that it is valid.

I am not sure exactly what you mean about the visualizer squishing the Z coordinates. 

Tweakie.

5480

FAQs / Re: Altium 9 to Mach3

« on: November 02, 2012, 04:54:03 AM »

I believe Altium only outputs the track information as a Gerber file and the hole information as an .nc file.
There are a number of different software programs that will convert Gerber to GCode and an internet search may be your best bet. This is the first one I came across http://www.ofitselfso.com/LineGrinder/LineGrinder.php

For 'simple' layouts LazyCam (included free with Mach3) will open and process Gerber files although it has limited function but it should, at least. enable you get started.

Tweakie.