CNC Routers Cad and G Code

[Richard Rowe]

Yeah this is way out there, I do use Cartomap Cad for iPad and like it very much. Cartomap is the best Cad App for th eiPad hands down. Where I work ha just bought a CNC Router with a Fanuc control. Routers run off G Code that is generated from a Cam software package. I did some drawings in Cartomap on my iPad and sent them to the Cam software and it put out the G Code I then loaded it to the Router and ran it. Worked fine. Maybe an App to make G Code? Yeah not much call for that but it would be cool to design something on your iPad from scratch and send it straight to a CNC router to be cut! To far out there?

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

This sounds great fun - and, I suspect, there'd be a market for it too. Can you tell us a little more about your setup?

Tim

 

[Richard Rowe]

It is somewhat like grafting. You use the top right hand part of a X and Y graft( x=0, y=0) so moving from the start point all X and Y will be positive. In my case I have one Router head and two drill heads. This means the Router head would go to the given X and Y coordinates and the other two would have an offset that would allow them to also go to the given coordinates. That said cam software does this, you put in the piece in cad (dxf is most used) then you take all the pieces you intend to cut and place them on the size blank( mine is a Y=48 inch by X=96 inch plywood) you tell the software which direction you are going(off set for the raduis of the bit) then it takes the X and Y input from where the pieces are placed and generates the G Code that runs the CNC Router. I know it sounds like alot and todays cam software often Nests the pieces too but remember they did this in the 80's sooo maybe an iPad could do it. PS there is a M code as well.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

I'm always surprised, when there are so many thousands and thousands of apps out there, that someone has not spotted this as a potential application. OK - it's not going to be a $1 app, for sure, but there are specialist professional apps out there that command a much higher price - I've seen several apps that are well over $100 - so you'd think someone would have a go.

Tim

 

[Richard Rowe]

In todays world there are DIY CNC Router Kits out there so they may also run on G codes and M codes so it might be something for a programer to look into.... you never know.

 

[JAILBIRD]

I would spend my hard earned money on an app like this. I have a CNC router and 2 CNC machining centers that all run off of G codes. It's really a pain to post a program in my office and then run to the shop to prove it out.

 

[guharoym]

excellent information on this thread, was gonna post this very question, but got all the info I need right here !!!

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Good to hear...let us know if we can do any more for you...

Tim