Hello, I use Mach3 to run a CNC router im using. Ive designed the part already and put it into the CAM section and got the tool paths layed out. Now im just wondering what type of file i should save the program as, and how to convert that into G-Code for Mach3.
You could use a couple of different file extension types. You should check with the machine provider. Possible, the HSM software will provide the correct file type extension by default. For our Esab machines we can use a couple of file extensions. Such as TOK amd MPG for the machine.
But which extensions would be best suited for converting to G-Code for Mach3? (.stl,.stp,.dwg,.xgl) sorry i should have put that into the original.
And unfortunatly i do not know the maker of the machine.
G-Code is always an ASCII text file, our waterjet requires a .cnc extension but the file opens in Notepad and is just text. I do some manual programming and just change the .txt extension to .cnc for the waterjet to use it.
Some machines will generate their own G-code but you do not need a CAM program in that case, just send the dxf or dwg file to the machine
@germanshepard17 wrote:
Hello, I use Mach3 to run a CNC router im using. Ive designed the part already and put it into the CAM section and got the tool paths layed out. Now im just wondering what type of file i should save the program as, and how to convert that into G-Code for Mach3.
You simply use the "post process" button in Inventor (CAM tab..toolpath panel) cam section to generate the required gcode for mach3.
You don't need to save your Inventor file as anything.. Just keep the ipt file. The post process button will "automagically" create the needed text file that you simply open/run in Mach
Download the post processor here for mach
http://www.machsupport.com/software/downloads-updates/cam-post-processors/
Obviously try air cutting/practice paths or whatever first to make sure its working as it should before you try plowing into a big chunk of steel 🙂
@germanshepard17 wrote:
But which extensions would be best suited for converting to G-Code for Mach3? (.stl,.stp,.dwg,.xgl) sorry i should have put that into the original.
And unfortunatly i do not know the maker of the machine.
Based on your posts in this thread so far, it sounds like you might want to lock the CNC machine in the garage for a few months and forget about it while you do some reading and learning about CNC and play with Inventor and HSM a little.
If you just try to dive into it without knowing what you're doing, you run a serious risk of just destroying what is probably a very expensive piece of machinery.
Rusty
I don't think mach cares what the extension is as long as its a valid g-code file..
hsm will just do .nc out of the box I believe but that can be changed
out haas Vf2 just uses .txt
my other machine uses .gcode or .cnc
Its machine specific..
and yes follow rustys advice above.. when you are ready you won't have to ask this question 🙂