Cad Lite DXF and G-code? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

JeepsRcool · 07-12-2010, 05:56 PM

I have the 2x2 and Cad lite. I am having trouble figuring out how to get it to cut certain directions, or it is cutting the outside of the part then moving to the holes, and where would you tell it to pause for pierce? And when I export the part straight to g-code in cad lite it has errors? So I export it to a DXF then import into torchmate3 and it makes the g-code and just cuts where ever, and I don't see any way to tell it to pause here go counter clockwise, etc......I work whenever TM is open, so I cant really call.....

xr8ed · 07-12-2010, 10:27 PM

you need to use "arrange- make path" in your cdl drawing while selecting your entire part. Then select your part again and go to create a male tool path or female toopath, it will then cut the holes in the center first if it knows it's one part. there are some step by step tutorials available on www.torchmate.com . Is this your first attempt at using the software?

JeepsRcool · 07-12-2010, 11:49 PM

Pretty much, I have been using it for about 2 days now....

I was using the import dxf in the TM3 software but I didnt see any were to set dwell or any thing, it is a simple import I guess......
I have since found in the cad lite the machine/output and it allows me designate start points and set dwell time and create the fgc file. This seems to work much better, and is lowering my blood pressure

, I think Ill figure it out sooner rather than later. Wish me luck....
But if you have any tips or tricks.......

Dnmeistr · 07-13-2010, 08:04 AM

Read the Cad users guide on creating tool paths, it is a pdf located in your TM 2x2 CD. The dwell time can be found in the TM3 driver software under Configuration, Programming then M-Code Definitions; loot at the first ling 50 Plasma On to the right there is a column Delay Sec, that is where you enter the dwell time.

07-12-2010, 05:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
JeepsRcool Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 107883 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 806	Cad Lite DXF and G-code? I have the 2x2 and Cad lite. I am having trouble figuring out how to get it to cut certain directions, or it is cutting the outside of the part then moving to the holes, and where would you tell it to pause for pierce? And when I export the part straight to g-code in cad lite it has errors? So I export it to a DXF then import into torchmate3 and it makes the g-code and just cuts where ever, and I don't see any way to tell it to pause here go counter clockwise, etc......I work whenever TM is open, so I cant really call..... __________________ [URL=http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=871614]Plasma Table Build / Torchmate 2x2[/URL] Chevy Build with 5TonRocks......Coming Soon.....:flipoff2:

07-12-2010, 11:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
JeepsRcool Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 107883 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 806	Pretty much, I have been using it for about 2 days now.... I was using the import dxf in the TM3 software but I didnt see any were to set dwell or any thing, it is a simple import I guess...... I have since found in the cad lite the machine/output and it allows me designate start points and set dwell time and create the fgc file. This seems to work much better, and is lowering my blood pressure, I think Ill figure it out sooner rather than later. Wish me luck.... But if you have any tips or tricks....... __________________ [URL=http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=871614]Plasma Table Build / Torchmate 2x2[/URL] Chevy Build with 5TonRocks......Coming Soon.....:flipoff2:

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07-12-2010, 10:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
xr8ed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Member # 84965 Location: Edgewood, WA Posts: 540	you need to use "arrange- make path" in your cdl drawing while selecting your entire part. Then select your part again and go to create a male tool path or female toopath, it will then cut the holes in the center first if it knows it's one part. there are some step by step tutorials available on www.torchmate.com . Is this your first attempt at using the software?

07-13-2010, 08:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dnmeistr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Member # 115338 Posts: 418	Read the Cad users guide on creating tool paths, it is a pdf located in your TM 2x2 CD. The dwell time can be found in the TM3 driver software under Configuration, Programming then M-Code Definitions; loot at the first ling 50 Plasma On to the right there is a column Delay Sec, that is where you enter the dwell time.