STL, STEP or IGES Interface in EMC

Yes, HeeksCAD should be able to deal with STL files for you too. I haven't played with STL to gcode generation in a while, but I think it's still working with HeeksCAD:

code.google.com/p/heekscad/

HeeksCNC is a plugin for HeeksCAD. Opencamlib is used for the solid model machining in HeeksCNC.

code.google.com/p/heekscnc/
code.google.com/p/opencamlib/

Dan

Hi Mike,

I had a look into HeekCNC.

But I think it is a little bit strange to use. Normaly I'm using "CoCreate modeling". But I don't have an CAM converter in CoCreate. On the other hand I don't have any experience in GCODE writing. So I'm searching for a tool which will help to convert my drawings.

All of my drawings are finished in the used tool now, so it will be difficult to use a new tool. Also as I saw the CUT3D & PyCAM is working very well.

My opinion was to asking for an "filter interface" in EMC, like the "image-to-gcode". That will be a good solution for everybody as I think.

Thx
Benjamin

yes, I know... You are right!!

So the CUT3D Software will be a very good solution as I think. Because in that case you can configure all of that things.

it was just an idea to develop such an "filter" ...

But isn't enough for my STL models....

Ok... I will take a licens for CUT3D in the next step. That will be the only way to translate my 3D models...

PyCAM is good for "easy" models... that will be fine for the first tests on my self made portal machine...

Hi Andy,

yes I had a look into HeeksCAD. It's a little bit strange to use.... Also I had some trouble with the handling.

Regards
Benjamin

Well, a step or iges based cam module that would allow for even fairly basic toolpath strategies would certainly be GREAT! Obviously, it is not just an import filter but rather a complex affair as it should address at least some of the basic toolpath issues. And these are manifold. But still: It seems somewhat unreasonable to use either very expensive or very cheap software cam-packages that in their way will not fit the bill of most emc users. As of now I'm using cut3d and vcarve pro, they work well most of the time. BUT: the toolpath strategies are somewhat inferior -as one would expect, actually, at that price- and sadly it takes me more time to get the toolpaths done than designing my models in the first place.

A word of advice about cut3d: This is rather an ameteur-tool. It puts out toolpaths, yes. But do not expect something that will equal those from real world production packages. My 2 cts