CAM Files Protocol: Difference between revisions

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(Removed Sketchup protocol and replaced it with open source toolchains.)
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::*DXF format for scale-model laser cutting - [[OSE Rapid Prototyping]]
::*DXF format for scale-model laser cutting - [[OSE Rapid Prototyping]]
::*STL format for 3D printing - tubing for the [[Tractor Construction Set]] - scale models [[OSE Rapid Prototyping]]
::*STL format for 3D printing - tubing for the [[Tractor Construction Set]] - scale models [[OSE Rapid Prototyping]]
::*DXL format for cutting steel sheet via CNC Torch Table - the Brick Press [[CEB_Press_CAM_Files]]
::*DXF format for cutting steel sheet via CNC Torch Table - the Brick Press [[CEB_Press_CAM_Files]]


==Protocol==
==Protocol==
''Special Note: The 'Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL' plugin must first be installed locally. If you do not have the 'Export to DXF or STL' option under Tools, the plugin will need to be downloaded and installed. See below for installation instructions.''
*Use DXF plugin in Inkscape to gene
*Use FreeCAD or [[BlocksCAD]] to generate STL files


#Open original file in SketchUp.
#Ensure that all objects to be exported are aligned flat to the plane of the Z-axis. *''Note: 3D objects aligned vertically will NOT be exported successfully.''
It is possible to do this stage entirely in the original sketchup file.  you can copy each piece and lay it out on the plane.  because these are references to the original geometry, any changes to the model will be reflected in this layout.  this layout can easily be exported again after changes are made to the model.  make a separate component for the DXF export and paste in place all the components laid out.  Be sure to delete any construction lines, radius cross hairs etc.  It needs to be clean line work or the cnc cut may slice through undesirable places!
#Select all objects that are needed for the CAM file. *''Note: Ensure that all edges of desired objects are selected, faces are NOT exported during conversion, this is normal.''
#Go to File Menu and select command Tools > Export to DXF or STL.
#Select "inches" in dialogue box drop down menu (selected by default), click OK.
#In second dialogue box, entities to export, choose best option from drop down that matches needs of destination CAM software. *''Note: The most often used type is 'polylines', and are typical for DXF files.''
#For STL export, select 'stl' from the second dialogue box (entities). The option is located at bottom of list in drop-down menu, below 'polylines'.
#In the save dialogue, name the file (ensure file extension is correct), choose location, click OK. *''Note: Ignore 'Save as type:' drop down menu.''
#Final dialogue box will report number of faces, lines, and objects converted. Click OK. *''Note: Do not be alarmed by the 'objects ignored' count, the script must alter the objects' properties in order to convert the file.''
#Your CAM file is ready.
#Documentation: Open CAM file in appropriate software, capture screen shots and embed images next to your CAM file on wiki.  Images can be generated from Sketchup using export > 2D
==Plugin Installation==
#Windows - Go to [http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl/ www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl] in a web browser and download the appropriate version ('''skp_to_dxf.np''' for SketchUp 2014).
#Navigate to your SketchUp Tools folder, for SketchUp 2014 in Microsoft Windows - C:/Program Files(x86)/SketchUp/SketchUp 2014/Tools
#Linux - may have issues running Sketchup 2014 (2013 version worked) - now working on my Dell Inspiron - MJ
#Copy the '''skp_to_dxf.np''' file into the Tools folder.
#Restart SketchUp, installation is complete.
==Other Resources==
Note: Avoiding the use of other CAD software in this DXF stage is desirable if possible because alterations to the design can create large delays in updating other dependent DXF files, screenshots, wiki uploads.
This whole process could potentially rest in a public ftp folder to ease syncronisation with the wiki.


[[http://www.plasmasystemsinc.com/PDF/EA_Plasma,_Laser,_Oxyfuel.pdf some useful info on cutting tolerances, kerf etc to take into account when laying out CAM files]]
[[http://www.plasmasystemsinc.com/PDF/EA_Plasma,_Laser,_Oxyfuel.pdf some useful info on cutting tolerances, kerf etc to take into account when laying out CAM files]]

Revision as of 22:47, 24 January 2017

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) files are toolpath files that enable a computer-controlled machine - such as a CNC Torch Table or a CNC Milling Machines - to produce parts automatically by using the CAM files as blueprints.

Examples of CAM files:

Protocol

  • Use DXF plugin in Inkscape to gene
  • Use FreeCAD or BlocksCAD to generate STL files


[some useful info on cutting tolerances, kerf etc to take into account when laying out CAM files]

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