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Author Topic: Going from Solidworks to Mach3  (Read 8434 times)

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Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« on: February 16, 2007, 05:25:27 AM »
Hi All,

Excuse this newbie question.

I have access to Solidworks and MasterCam from work.  I would like to get from a 3D model (in solidworks) to G-code for Mach3.  Could someone spell out the steps necessary.

Thank You,
Jonathan

Hood

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Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2007, 03:10:46 PM »
Solidworks model will be put into MasterCAM and then the toolpaths chosen, tools etc etc then MasterCAM will output the code, you can then browse to where you saved the code and load it in Mach.
You will need a post processor to output compatible Gcode but if MasterCAM comes with a Fanuc one it will probably be close.
Hood
Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2007, 03:23:00 PM »
Thanx, Hood.

I'm not sure about the compatibility of MasterCAM.

What is the CAM program of choice for Mach3 user?

Hood

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Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2007, 03:28:11 PM »
Dont think there is such a thing as CAM program of choice, just depends what you have or what you can afford. Lots of people use LazyCAM that comes with Mach, some use the wizards only, some use the addons conversational that Brian sells. Suppose it just depends on what you do on your mill whether you require a top of the range 3D CAM package or can do all you want hand coding.
 MasterCAM will I would think work fine with Mach as long as the post processor you use is compatible, might even be one to download if you look about the forum or in the Yahoo group.
Hood

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Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2007, 03:32:25 PM »
Well that depends on your budget. Plan on about $10,000 for mastercam x with 3d capabilities. Solidworks is $3000 to $8000 depending on features.

These prices pretty much put this stuff out of reach for the hobbyist.

For hobby 3d cad there is http://www.alibre.com/. they have a free version that is limited but still a great package.

For hobby 3d cam there is meshcam  http://www.grzsoftware.com/

for hobby 2.5d there is sheetcam http://www.sheetcam.com/

Chad

Hood

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Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2007, 03:38:16 PM »
As you already have MasterCAM you should use it as the price is right ;)
Just did a search and  you will get a post processor here http://www.machsupport.com/cam.htm
Hood
Re: Going from Solidworks to Mach3
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2007, 04:58:52 PM »
Ah that's what I'm looking for, just didn't know what to search for earlier.
Now learning how to use MasterCAM & Mach3, then the fun stuff begins.

Thanx guys.