Hello !
1°_ I am trying MeshCAM trial version; i have generated a toolpath file but i don't see anything to generate the G-code (no index or button to do that !).
Can someone tells me how to do ?
2°_ i volontary choose an endmill which does not fit with my milling (end mill tool diameter 2mm & depth 8mm & tool queue greater than 2 mm & mill depth on Z is 13mm: not possible to do without breaking the tool !). Then i produce the toolpath file: MeshCAM does not detect anything wrong !!?
3°_ It seems that feed rate units is mm/min or in/min with MeshCAM; what is the unit used for estimate the CAM job time - is it seconds ? (i expect!)
4°_ I do not make real try for the moment because my CNC is not achieved yet. Do you have some feed rate experiences to give me - i set feed rate 100mm/min in wood
  & 20mm/min in aluminium for a 1/8in milling tool at 5000RPM - does it makes sense ?

Thank you for help

1) After you create the toolpath, a small Accept Toolpath window opens. Onthe bottom of this window, is a  "Save Toolpath" button, which is where you save the g-code.

2) You must do a roughing pass before a finishing pass if you use a short tool. If the parameters for the tool are entered correctly, then MeshCAM will prevent the shank from crashing.

3)Yes, I believe it's in seconds.

4)For wood, using a 3mm ball endmill, I usually cut at 2500mm/min or faster, at about 14,000 rpm. I've never used MeshCAM for cutting aluminum.

1°_ I am trying MeshCAM trial version; i have generated a toolpath file but i don't see anything to generate the G-code (no index or button to do that !).
Can someone tells me how to do ?

Possibly in the trial version it does not put out a code and that's why you don't see a button for it?

Dave

No, the trial version is 100% functional. It just has a time limit.

Ah, ok. I guess I shouldn't even give anymore info, Gerry, seems like you know everything! 

Dave

Thank you Gerry, i have seen this file but as it was a .m suffix i do not realized that it could be the G-code (as Mach3 expect .tap or .nc).
I will try this file with Mach3 tomorrow !

You need to choose the correct post processor when saving. Below the file name, choose the appropriate Mach3 postprocessor by clicking in "Save As Type". The first one in the list (Anilam) gives the .m extension

20mm/min in aluminium for a 1/8in milling tool at 5000RPM

For guidance using end mills in various materials see the following link:
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,20045.msg138970.html#msg138970

what is the unit used for estimate the CAM job time

Minutes ... to confirm just divide the total travel by the feed rate used......BTW it is not exact but not that far off

RICH