Generating CNC Cut Files

[jbozanin]

Can Inventor write code for HAAS CNC machines

[blair]

Check here.: http://cam.autodesk.com/

The Forum includes topic on Post Processors and Haas is included in the posts

[BarryZA]

HSM Express, it works really well in my inexperienced opinion. Now if it could only nest.

[jeff.walters]

Absolutely that’s one of the default posts included in the system. As always if you need some tweaks for you specific machine all you have to do is send them to cam.posts@autodesk.com.

[jeff.walters]

Nesting requests is something that has always puzzled me. Not the use of it but why is always up to the CAM system to do nesting? After all isn’t nesting nothing more than manipulating models in an assembly? Seems to me that’s a CAD function.

[blair]

Generally nesting is done in a post process by specific software designed for this. For our NC plasma/burning table we use Radan and MTC/Thermadyne software for this.

[LT.Rusty]

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@jeff.walters wrote:
Nesting requests is something that has always puzzled me. Not the use of it but why is always up to the CAM system to do nesting? After all isn’t nesting nothing more than manipulating models in an assembly? Seems to me that’s a CAD function.

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Because nesting has almost zero use in anything other than CAM.  It would be a worthless feature in CAD.  Regardless, since HSM is integrated into Inventor (or SolidWorks), it would seem to be worthwhile to put into HSM.

[RobJV]

Well that all depends on how and where your part lists/cut lists are defined.  I have actually sent over pre nested dxf files over to the burn table.  They allow you to know how many sheets are needed before letting the CAM software figure that out for you.  Just playing devil's advocate...

Also depends on the user-friendliness of your burning sofware - I use ESAB columbus and it sucks in terms of non-standard gui and does not adhere to any logical windows command process.  I would much rather do everything in my CAD software.

Rob

[BarryZA]

For what I do, the lack of nesting in HSM Express has rendered what could be a huge time-saver useless. Now I need to export DXF's, repair broken splines, import into CAM program....

[blair]

Not sure what to say, decent NC Toolpathing software with integrated nesting cost almost $10,000.00 for the software

Sent from my iPad

[mcgyvr]

You can only expect so much in a FREE program..

HSMexpress is amazing for what it does do for free.

It has easily paid for itself here.  

Nesting is absolutely a CAM function but its one I'd expect to have to pay for.

And typically I see nesting used more for turret fabricator or laser type equipment vs cnc milling machines.. But I suppose its not at all out of the norm to want to nest in milling machines..  But far more common when you are starting with a sheet fed turret press/fabricator. 

[LT.Rusty]

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@Blair wrote:
Not sure what to say, decent NC Toolpathing software with integrated nesting cost almost $10,000.00 for the software

Sent from my iPad

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... and coincidentally, the price tag for HSM is $10,000.

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@mcgyvr wrote:

You can only expect so much in a FREE program..

HSMexpress is amazing for what it does do for free.

It has easily paid for itself here.   

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I wouldn't say it should necessarily be included in HSM Express, but it would be pretty handy to have for the full-up version.  Maybe a subscription add-on, like MeshEnabler.