The Chopper Compendium

I have a sheet metal - plate design program that lets me export dxf files to a disk it will let me do this in 2 ways . 1 export the file to a .dxf file for use in plasma cam type software and 2 export the flat layout to a .dxf file . now I understand the one for plasma cam is for plasma machine but whats the other one for milling machine? would one work on both plasma and milling machine or are they specific ? I have figured out the program enough to get a springer and a set of foreward foot control plates drawn up . I have a friend with a plasma capable of doing 1 1/4 plate so this program should come in handy but id like to find a machine shop the milling machine leaves way better finish and tolerences I think .

Curt, I don't know , but Indian Mark would.

they would be different the plasma would hold the outside line. the mill would be offset for the tool size used

the dxf will upload in some milling machines without a problem and then the tool offset put in there so depends on the mill software

hansgoudzwaard wrote:Curt, I don't know , but Indian Mark would.

I figured he would see this at some point

Customize IT wrote:the dxf will upload in some milling machines without a problem and then the tool offset put in there so depends on the mill software

makes sence

Most shops will their own proprietary software for the machine controller, whether it's a plasma, mill, lath, waterjet etc. and these packages will typically read a dxf file and the be run thru a postprocessor to make the G-code. for a part to be milled the dxf file is typically a 3-D mesh of the part needed to be cut. Most CAD packages can create the 3-D from a 2-D drawings.

curt wrote:

hansgoudzwaard wrote:Curt, I don't know , but Indian Mark would.

I figured he would see this at some point

Pretty much what Gary said. DXF is an AutoCad format if I'm not mistaken. (I could be wrong about that)
A waterjet leaves a decent finish too.

I have had problems reloading a dxf file in some machines. You have to rebuild it in the machine software from the print. Some will just upload them some will screw up usually on any radius.

thanks guys its good to know . I picked it up because the dxf files on Gary's cds worked great in my friends plasma machine I haven't had a chance to get to his shop to see if the ones I made would work

Curt,
If you need them converted to G-code Let me know.

BIGJIM wrote:Curt,
If you need them converted to G-code Let me know.

thanks jim I was able to get to my friends shop they both loaded into his machine the plasma optimized was spot on for his machine and actually had a real nice finish