CNC Software to Create G code

[Aschiller]

Currently I have access to Profile Master 2000 (about 10 years old), which has typically worked to import .dxf file. I have created a large dxf that it will not load. It could be a number of things age of software and computer, but I think it is the size of the file. and the software. To solve this problem I was thinking of installing software on a newer computer and testing to see if it will import the file and then pass the code to the controller.

I was wondering what other people here were using to control/pass data (g code) to the CNC controller. Right now I use PM 2000 to nest the parts on a sheet and then down load that specific sheet via serial connection to a Koike contoller.

Thanks for all your help.

Drew Schiller

[luckyj13]

I've been using BobCad for drawings, BobNest for nesting and Mach 3 as the controller program. I used to have trouble getting the huge g codes to work. I had a friend "clean up" the computer and get rid of all the crap on it. That made a huge difference right away. I've had pretty good success with biggger codes, 10,000 lines of code and up. I've heard there are alot better programs out there but I'm not sure what the names are. The set up I use took along time to learn, with little tech support, but I think I have a pretty decent handle on it now.

[browbrew]

I create drawings in AutoCAD or Corell Draw save to DFX then create the Gcode using SheetCAM. 2D

[wcottr]

Give Sheetcam a try. They allow a trial that is limited I believe 500 lines of code. They will issue a temporary license for full use upon contacting them. I use Sheetcam and love it for use w/ my CNC plasma table. http://www.sheetcam.com/

[Stout]

I use OneCNC XR to create the g-code for my ESAB Vision controller. Most of my drawing is in CorelDraw X3. The file size limitation on the Vision controller is about 800kb while some files I need to cut are over 2Mb. I just cut the file into sections that are under 800kb by cut/copy/paste. Find the section of the code to cut out by scrolling down to the the next torch off command.

Then I add the line G00 X0.0 Y0.0 to put the machine back to the start point. When the torch is back to 0 0, I just load the next part of the program.

[m230042]

Your pm 2000 doesn't have a file size limatation but your controller may. expecially if it is an old 128ki or 256 k creonics controller or a burny 3 type.

Reducing the number of data points in your drawing can help if you can set the the max output to 2 decimal places.

I haven't rum pm2000 in quite a while but you should be able to break points in opus and then using 3 point circle reduce the number of segments to long arcs. then renest and i'll bet you have will be able to fit it into your controller.

Also if you have any parts stored on you controller, remove them because they use the working memory of your controller.

ALSO explore the m65 autoreload command.

Marv