prodesktop software

[Bitflip]

hi new to 3d cad programs so bare with me whilst i try to understand eveyrthing.

i've got a program called prodesktop and i was wondering if i could design waterblocks on it, and then give the code? to a cnc machine to make it?

also can anyone recommend me a program to do this all on?


thanks

[utabintarbo]

Originally posted by Bitflip
hi new to 3d cad programs so bare with me whilst i try to understand eveyrthing.

i've got a program called prodesktop and i was wondering if i could design waterblocks on it, and then give the code? to a cnc machine to make it?

also can anyone recommend me a program to do this all on?


thanks

You can design waterblocks using (nearly) any CAD program. Getting CNC code out of it is another thing entirely.

Most CAD solutions do not directly output CNC programs from native design data; a special module or outside program is required. Very high-end products such as CATIA or Unigraphics (BIG $$) have integrated machining modules; some older DOS-based programs do as well.

I believe MasterCAM is one program that can do both. I prefer having discrete "best-of-breed" programs. I use SolidWorks for design and WorkNC for NC Programming, but I have access to these thru my employer.

If you could give some more specific info about "prodesktop" it would be easier to make a determination as to its utility in this application...

In any case, welcome to the world of CAD!

Bob

[Bitflip]

well im not too sure on what info is needed, but here is a link to them : click

[morphling1]

ProDesktop is like a lite version of Pro Engineer, so it's basicaly just 2d sketcher 3d modeler, but without any CAM capabilities like big brother, so you can't directly get g-code from this program, they have Pro E for that (big money)
Then there are program like utbintarbo mentioned before all pro and all expensive.
But if you have simple design, you can draw in acad, then export dxf file to little program called ACE converter this basicaly make g-code from 2d lines of the dxf file, then you just have define depth and steps of millig and add few simple g-code commands that make program complete.

[utabintarbo]

Originally posted by morphling1
... But if you have simple design, you can draw in acad, then export dxf file to little program called ACE converter this basicaly make g-code from 2d lines of the dxf file, then you just have define depth and steps of millig and add few simple g-code commands that make program complete.

I know I'm being lazy, but where might one find this ACE convertor?

Bob

[morphling1]

I can't find a link any more, but wait a little I'll put it on my web server and post link here.

[morphling1]

Here you go : http://www2.arnes.si/~mlivak/Cnc/ACE%20converter.zip
Then for visualy checking the g-code I use this program, just load nc file and it plays you tool path.
http://www.softpile.com/Education/Sc...568_index.html

[utabintarbo]

[morphling1]

No problem.
Tell me, which program do you use for modeling and nc programing, all mentioned above or are you using only Solidworks+workNC ?
I'm asking this, because I decided to try and learn MasterCam, maybe even Catia depend on ease of use, and how I like the interface, and it's good to know someone that knows few tricks

[utabintarbo]

Originally posted by morphling1
No problem.
Tell me, which program do you use for modeling and nc programing, all mentioned above or are you using only Solidworks+workNC ?
I'm asking this, because I decided to try and learn MasterCam, maybe even Catia depend on ease of use, and how I like the interface, and it's good to know someone that knows few tricks

Catia is a flaming bee-yotch to learn. It would be easier to learn to breathe underwater. For a high-end alternative, think Unigraphics.

I hear MasterCam is easy to learn, I have no first-hand experience with it. It is used by many small mold shops in this area for the automotive industry. I would say it is sufficiently accurate for most prototype applications, and therefore would be useful for our needs here.

As I recall, someone around here uses Pro-Engineer (either you or Volenti?). From some of my co-workers, this is a very nice modeling package, and not terribly difficult to learn.

I also use an old DOS-based 3-D CAD/CAM package called Solution 3000. It is not solids-based, it has not been updated since 1996, but it is the first CAD package I really learned, and so I still love/use it. Believe it or not, there is still demand for people with S3000 experience here in the Detroit area!

As for NC packages, other than the aforementioned S3000, most of my experience has been with WorkNC. This is a pretty high-end ($$$) package, but it is the most complete NC solution available. I believe it would be overkill for the kind of applications we would use it for.

There is a less expensive product from Delcam called PowerMill. This has many of the same capabilities as WorkNC with an allegedly better interface as well as a lower price. I still have to look at this one, so I'll have to get back to you on this.

Any other Q's, just ask!

Bob

[morphling1]

Well, I used ProE but only 3d modeling this is no problem for me, I also manage to learn how to get CL-data out of the model, which is basicaly nc program with all the tool paths, but the thing I still need to learn is how to get g-code out of CL-data, and I think I need post process that data to do that, so this is my current problem. If I could get just one example how to do that I'll be good for all nc-programing I'll ever need.
If I can't get g-code with Pro E, I'll try MasterCam because it has lots of examples and tutorials, and this is all I need, one simple exercise from modeling to g-code, and I pretty fast catch on to do what I need to
But like I said I'm just used to Pro E, I love it, and I would like to do the complete process in one program if I can

[superart]

I have access to mastercam software at school, and proLIGHT CNC machines, but the CNC code that is produced by mastercam apparently isnt compatable w/ the proLIGHT cnc mill, since whenever i run it, the bit just goes all over. Usually way above the work stock. I tried consulting the manual, and after doing exactly what the manual told me, i got the same result.

[utabintarbo]

Originally posted by superart
I have access to mastercam software at school, and proLIGHT CNC machines, but the CNC code that is produced by mastercam apparently isnt compatable w/ the proLIGHT cnc mill, since whenever i run it, the bit just goes all over. Usually way above the work stock. I tried consulting the manual, and after doing exactly what the manual told me, i got the same result.

Your postprocessor has to be set up properly for the proLIGHT mill. Generally, each controller has its own input format for G-code.

Bob

[superart]

how can i do that?

[utabintarbo]

Originally posted by superart
how can i do that?

I assume you mean set up MasterCAM to output the correct G-code for your mill... I'm sorry but you will have to look at the MasterCAM dox for that. Look under "postprocessor".

Bob

[superart]

thanx

[PetDMC]

nevermind
thx

[LiquidRulez]

Originally posted by utabintarbo
Your postprocessor has to be set up properly for the proLIGHT mill. Generally, each controller has its own input format for G-code.

Bob

what input format do gecko drivers use?? just curious