Messages

6751

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 15, 2011, 11:35:16 AM »

Hi Larry,

Take it easy and get well soon.

My Roland software is related to pen plotters not vinyl cutters.
It has been a long while since I used SignGo but from memory you can pre-program the post processor with HPGL start up strings so you should be able to create a file that will convert to GCode (using the program I posted) without editing. If you have difficulties setting it up send me a copy of your current SignGo output file I can see what needs adding / removing.

Tweakie.

6752

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Cad Software!!!

« on: February 15, 2011, 08:06:28 AM »

Hi Jugster,

Take a look at Danny's site here:-  http://www.cnc4free.org/ you may find something of interest to you.

'GMax' is good for modeling and free but the learning curve is just too steep for me - I suppose it depends just how much time you have available for learning something new. (Almost all of the popular 3D computer games have an associated software which is designed for creating 3D models and in most instances that software can be obtained for free). I like free 

Tweakie.

6753

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Power

« on: February 15, 2011, 02:00:41 AM »

Hi TMSmith,

The laser power would almost certainly have been controlled externally to Mach3 (there would be no advantage to using the Mach PWM signal).
Depending on the type of laser, CO2 for example would need many kilowatts of power to cut 1/8" steel.
Multipass does not work so well (if at all) because laser cutting metals relies on the assist gas blowing the molten material out of the kerf (a bit like oxy or plasma cutting I suppose). YAG lasers are better suited for use with metals but, in return, carry a hefty price tag.

Tweakie.

6754

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 14, 2011, 12:36:53 PM »

Hi Larry,

I use Roland software for sign layouts but use Mach3 and GCode for cutting the vinyl so convert HPGL to GCode quite a lot. The attached program, written by Martin DeRoode of Majosoft is simple and works just fine for me. There are a couple of little quirks such as needing SP1 (or whatever pen) at the start of the code but once you get used to it, editing is no problem.
Let me know how you get on.

Tweakie.

6755

Promote and discuss your product / Re: New Website/Services: Hands-on Mach3 Training, System Integration.

« on: February 14, 2011, 09:14:57 AM »

That sounds great, good fortune and every success with the venture guys.

Tweakie.

6756

Tangent Corner / Re: Another Power Supply

« on: February 14, 2011, 09:11:55 AM »

Hi Guys,

Just a word of caution for others following this thread - some power supplies, such as those used in PC's, may have the output negative connected to the outer casing so if wiring two units in series the casings have to be electrically isolated from each other and the high end unit isolated from Ground or a short will occur. This doesn't apply to all power supplies but it pays to check first 

Tweakie.

6757

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: 26" ABM Innova long arm quilting automation

« on: February 13, 2011, 02:42:52 AM »

Brilliant work.
Do you drive the material take up rollers or is this a manual task ?

Tweakie.

6758

General Mach Discussion / Re: Interface Tutorial

« on: February 13, 2011, 02:33:58 AM »

That was from an earlier version which I think has now gone from the downloads page. If you require 'Multi Pass' then this is now available under the Wizards menu.

Tweakie.

6759

General Mach Discussion / Re: Weird problem with Mach3 and tool paths

« on: February 12, 2011, 05:33:29 AM »

Hi RC,

Firstly, I am no expert so this is just my opinion after running your code.
I don't think it is a Mach problem as Mach appears to be just following the code it has been given. Your lead-in and lead-outs have been incorrectly positioned and that is what is causing the toolpath to be crooked.

Tweakie.

6760

General Mach Discussion / advice please

« on: February 12, 2011, 02:18:38 AM »

Hi DMF,

Welcome to the forum.

From experience, I suggest that an old PC (WinXP) with a parallel port but not having on-board graphics, which is dedicated to just running the machine with Mach3, may be more suitable.
Your laptop/netbook etc could then be used to run your CAD/CAM and create the GCode (I use a USB memory stick to transfer the GCode from my laptop to PC).
CAD/CAM software is really a matter of chioce but there are plenty, perhaps function limited 'try before you buy' to help you choose. No one software does it all so you will end up with a few different types depending on what you are planning on making with your machine.

There is a wealth of knowledge here on this forum and a wealth of members only too willing to help if you need assistance.

Good fortune with your project.

Tweakie.