[simpits-tech] From idea to CNC - what software is used

[Gene Buckle]

On Wed, 26 Jan 2011, Alex Wiebe wrote:

> I have found a script for Sketchup called CutList, but it spits out a
> picture to estimate raw material. If I have a triangle part or a part
> with a circle in it, that is missing from the picture. And besides,
> the picture is an extra step to get back into sketchup to feed the
> Phlatboyz script.
>
I've never heard of CutList before - does it best-fit your parts into 
pre-defined sheet sizes in order to give you your material requirements?

> Is it do able with what I have (and I just need to do more reading) or
> am I missing some critical piece of software?
>
> Gene - what do you use to take an idea from thought to cut?

The process I use involves creating the flat parts in AutoCAD, then 
bringing them into Inventor in order to verify fit, then from there I 
"panelize" the parts to fit on a 4x8 sheet of material.  That step is done 
in AutoCAD as well.  From there I use VCarve Pro to create the tool paths 
for the ShopBot.

VCarve Pro has a _ton_ of post processors for various machine controllers. 
I suspect that if there's not already one for EMC2 that you could pick a 
generic g-code post and have it work just fine.

You can use the free version of TurboCAD to draw your flat patterns & for 
the panelize process.  If SketchUp imports DXF you can use that for fit 
checking if you want.  The bit you're not going to find for free (at least 
that I know about) is what VCarve Pro does.  You can learn more about 
VCarve Pro at http://www.vectric.com - they also sell a cut down version 
called "Cut2D" that might meet your needs.

g.


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