CAM Files Protocol

Protocol

Hint: *Document on the wiki.

• Use DXF plugin in Inkscape or LibreCAD to generate profiles for cutting. You can also use FreeCAD to export DXFs from 3D CAD.
• Use FreeCAD or BlocksCAD to generate STL files
• Upload all files to the wiki

About

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:

• 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
• DXF format for cutting steel sheet via CNC Torch Table - the Brick Press CEB_Press_CAM_Files
• Gcode files - code that Marlin can use
• .sch and .brd files in KiCad

More

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

Integration

• Is there an easy export from FreeCAD to DXF for cutting? This should be available to facilitate large-scale collaboration.