cnc router app

[inflameWBW5X]

Hi, I have the student version Autocad 2017.

I just purchased a 4 axis cnc router so I'm now looking for a free software that will do the layering and create the Gcode file.

Will Autocad do this ? , or is there another free version app from Autodesk with this capability ?

[pendean]

What does the CNC Router manufacturer recommend?

[inflameWBW5X]

Not much in the way of recommendation but they do mention Artcam.

I notice that's not available anymore.

[Ron_113]

The G code is generated specific to the machine, there is some software that works within AutoCAD, I've used RouterCim and the other one escapes my memory right now.  Regardless, the software comes with a post processor (PP) that generates the G & M codes needed for each machine.  There is other software such as Alphcam & Mastercam just to name a few but they still need the post processor to generate the code.  Depending on the machine then the software might already have the post processor created.  As already asked; what does the machine manufacturer recommend?  If nothing then what about the supplier of the machine?  The software can be expensive, if you know coding then you can create your own PP or modify an existing one.

Keep in mind, each machine can and most likely will use a different post processor so you can't just insert code from one machine to another, even machines from the same manufacturer will have different PP.

Edit; And Free?  Good luck with that, if you find something free post it.

Hope this helps a bit

[inflameWBW5X]

I didn't know the G code is generated specific to the machine. I guess it goes by the board type then.

My CNC is a Chinese 8060Z purchased from Banggood. The board is an MC-USB-JB4 (V05) , and called XHC NcUsbPod.

It also came with mach3 software.

These are the programs they recommend : Artcam, Ucancam, Cut2D/3D, Type3, DeskProto, Bmp2Cnc, PhotoVCarve and Artcut. All cost money that I don't have and that's why I was hoping Autocad might be able to do the job, perhaps with a plugin or something. It's a shame Artcam was finished.

[inflameWBW5X]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Fusion360 has CAM ability.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Fusion360 has CAM ability

It was a question for AutoCAD from the OP and this is the AutoCAD forum.

- alfred -