Hi Chris, So to summarize your reply. When you draw using a PC rather than the back of an envelope you use Windows and Fusion360. For CAM the Fusion360 generated STL files can be changed to G-Code by Cura or Repetier for your 3D printer. For CAM and LinuxCNC (I'm assuming since you are on this list you use LinuxCNC) does Fusion360 generate the G-Code? Or is there something else inbetween. You sometimes also write G-Code directly. Does that cover what _you_ do? John
> -----Original Message----- > From: Chris Albertson [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: July-23-18 10:14 PM > To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) > Subject: Re: [Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC > > I don't see why it matters. The CNC machine accepts g-code. You should > be able to use any CAD software that can write g-code with either Mach4 or > LinuxCNC. Of course there is slight difference in the g-codes but not a > huge problem. Selecting either Mach3/4 or LCNC should not force your > selection of CAD software. > > If you do a poll I think you find some people do some hand coding for > simple projects, a few use conversational systems. But when you get to > full up 3D modeling you will find that price is a huge factor and the lower > cost and free CAD/CAM systems are the most popular. I know a few > hobbyists > using Solid Works but these are boot-leg copies, no licenses. > > What you really need to ask is "what kind of stuff do I make?" and what > software is best for making that kind of stuff. So what if "everyone" > uses FreeCAD? Maybe are making model railroad parts and they are not. > > I use Autodesk Fusion 360. It is free for small-time users and I can use > the same design files for either 3D printing or sending to CNC. Support is > good and the rate of updates is about right, updates about once per month > or so and questions get answered promptly. It has a billion dollar > company behind it, so it is not going to go away. > > As for the parts, I am making little parts for small robots. Mostly I can > 3D print the parts but some need the strength of metal.Parts tend to be all > counpoud curves and "organic" shapes but still with precision dimensions > for things like pressed-in ball bearings and screws. Examples of parts are > like these are in power tools, the housing for a cordless drill or an > automotive tail light lens. Fusion can do these kinds of parts well. > And of course it can also do the more common "2 1/2D" parts made from > aluminum plate too. > > So you really need to think abut what you need to make, and use what does > that best. > > If a 3D printer is one your wish list and it should be as they now cost > under $200, make sure your workflow cn support both CNCand printing. you > do > NOT want to have incompatible"vertical" software stacks. > > > > On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 9:18 PM John Dammeyer <[email protected]> > wrote: > > > Mini Poll here if possible > > I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make > > the G-Code. As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do like > > I have with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3. > > Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC. > > > > So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with? > > > > Thanks > > John > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- > > Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most > > engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot > > _______________________________________________ > > Emc-users mailing list > > [email protected] > > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > > > > > -- > > Chris Albertson > Redondo Beach, California > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- > Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most > engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > [email protected] > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
