@timtom1 wrote:
Hi Guys,
Using my new nomad pro
I tried my own file in meshcam as a first go, I zeroed the machine as per tutorials but it the measured the tool and started machining 2 mm above the stock. About half way through it did go into the stock a little.
What settings could I have got wrong in meshcam?
Thanks
Tim
Posts: 13
Participants: 3
@David wrote:
On Meshcam Build 27. When generating the path you can see how here the tool don't go completely up.
Because of this, as you can see on this picture, since I'm milling 0,1mm depth with a 0,5 diameter mill and the surface is complicated to set perfectly to 0. When doing the movement showed on the previous picture I get the result shown on this picture (two upper shapes).
Otherwise on this picture you can see some of them without the same problem. I've tried to generate it along X, along Y, X and Y, and the result is similar I just change the position of the problem.
Posts: 10
Participants: 6
@mbellon wrote:
I'm using the latest version of Mac MeshCAM Pro/Art.
I'm machining parts for my Nomad 883 Pro dust head. Two of the parts are (identical) brackets. The CAD and STL files were generated with BobCAD-CAM.
I could use the BobCAD-CAM CAM module to machine the part (there is a Nomad 883 Pro "post" available) but I wanted to make sure it could be machined with MeshCAM.
Here is the STL:
Spindle Bracket.stl (495.6 KB)
Here is the MeshCAM view of the part:
I set up the part, emitted the G Code, and started machining the part. When it finished, I found a gouge.
The BobCAD-CAM CAM module machines this part correctly.
I went back to MeshCAM - I use MeshCAM Pro/Art - and ran the simulator. Sure enough, the gouge was there. Because the part is symmetric I never did a full 360; the front was fine and I assumed the back would be the same...
Weird that both sides are identical but a gouge is only on one side...
I ran 'topeScope on the STL and it didn't find any errors and the part sure looks symmetrical and correct...
I've played with MeshCAM for quite some time and cannot find a set of parameters that removes the gouge.
Here is the simulation (the gouge is very obvious):
Here are the MeshCAM parameters (everything is at 10K RPM; stock is HDPE), I turned off waterline in this test... it still gouges:
Here are the tool paths:
Here is the simulation showing that the parallel finish is causing the gouge:
Does anyone know why MeshCAM is doing this? Is there a way to prevent this?
mark
Posts: 18
Participants: 6
@MrJJ wrote:
Hi All,
I have installed the latest version of Meshcam, and I thought that the Carbide 3d tools were supposed to already be in MeshCam. Am I completely in left field on this? Or am I supposed to put these in manually?
Thanks
MrJJ
Posts: 7
Participants: 3
@imp wrote:
Hopefully a quick question: if I am trying to cut a valley into a project, for example something like acrylic where all I really need to do is mar it, what is a rule of thumb for how narrow I can make a cut based on the diameter of my square endmill? I have run into a problem with meshcam a couple times where it just ignored cuts I had in a project, I assume it was because it was fairly narrow for the bit. .01 wide cut with a .008 dia bit.
If it matters, Designing in AutoCAD into MeshCAM.
Thank you.
Posts: 5
Participants: 4
@FlatBaller wrote:
Continuing the discussion from How to import Carbide3d numbered tools into Meshcam?:
Continuing the discussion from Meshcam tool selection:
Sorry for the delayed response in posting this.
The tools are defined in the LUA script file carbide-wizard.lua which is located in the $MeshCAMInstall$/scripts/carbide/ folder.
Edit the file, and you will see a section where you build a table of cutters with features. Mine now looks as follows:
-------------------------- --Initialize Cutters---- -------------------------- local cutters = {} table.insert(cutters,{ number=101, mm = false, diameter=.1250, length=.75, shaft=.125, ball=true, numTeeth=2, desc=".125 Inch Ball" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=102, mm = false, diameter=.1250, length=.75, shaft=.125, ball=false, numTeeth=2, desc=".125 Inch Flat" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=111, mm = false, diameter=.0625, length=.25, shaft=.125, ball=true, numTeeth=2, desc=".0625 Inch Ball" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=112, mm = false, diameter=.0625, length=.25, shaft=.125, ball=false, numTeeth=2, desc=".0625 Inch Flat" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=121, mm = false, diameter=.032, length=.063, shaft=.125, ball=true, numTeeth=2, desc=".032 Inch Ball" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=122, mm = false, diameter=.032, length=.063, shaft=.125, ball=false, numTeeth=2, desc=".032 Inch Flat" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=201, mm = false, diameter=.25, length=.75, shaft=.25, ball=true, numTeeth=3, desc=".25 Inch Ball" }) table.insert(cutters,{ number=202, mm = false, diameter=.25, length=.75, shaft=.25, ball=false, numTeeth=3, desc=".25 Inch Flat" })
Posts: 6
Participants: 3
@dyelton wrote:
I really hate to admit that I can't figure this out, but every time that I try to set a machining region on a job it zooms the model to fit the window and seemingly disabled my ability to zoom in and out. Out of sheer luck I got MeshCAM to do what I wanted (or maybe I'm remembering it all wrong and I did something else by accident to make it work).
I can't set a fair machining region if MeshCAM won't let me zoom out a little. FWIW I'm using the Mac version on a Macbook Pro. When I got it to work properly I was using my desktop Mac Pro with an external mouse (as opposed to the built-in trackpad). Maybe that made the difference, but the commands should seriously be the same regardless of input device.
Also, I still can't figure out how to really define supports. I feel like this is directly correlated to my question above. I'll define a support (even when my machining region is set...albeit not the way I want but still outside the dimensions of the drawing) it doesn't show up anywhere. If I exit out and then try to add another support it asks me if I want to clear existing supports...so I feel like they got added somewhere but they don't show up anywhere on-screen.
I realize that MeshCAM is low-budget, but I would like to see a better user-guide, more how-to videos, etc. Maybe it's out there, but I've been unable to find it.
Any help is greatly appreciated. I'm mostly looking for how to zoom out when setting the machinable region (and how the supports are added exactly...there must be a minimum spacing between the boundaries before they'll show up?).
Thanks!
Posts: 5
Participants: 3
@Tshulthise wrote:
I've been through the MeshCam manual here... http://www.grzsoftware.com/manual/ and still don't understand what some of the toolpath settings mean. Are there any good overviews that go over the MeshCam features and settings in more detail than the manual?
A few to start...
1 How to control spindle speed?
2 When is it best to use parallel path and when should conventional or climb milling be used?
3 What does "enable arc fitting" do?
4 Waterline and Pencil are ambiguous terms. I get some idea about how they work from seeing the simulation but are there any good tutorials on how to use these settings most effectively?Also, if you bought a Nomad then you have the ability to make lithopanes from black and white picture images. You don't find anything in the menus that indicate this. You find out only if you are curious and decide to try to load a .bmp or other picture file format. This is an awesome feature and it should have a dedicated GUI button, IMO.
Thanks for any help,
Tony
Posts: 13
Participants: 2
@donnyfl wrote:
Hi everyone, just received my Nomad pro today and it took me a while to get the zeroing down. I have to say this is my first experience with CNC of any type. My question is if I have a 4x4 inch stock, and I have an object that is only 1 inch in width, height. how could I tell Meshcam where I want to print it on the stock?
For example in the image below, how would I tell Meshcam that I want to print my object in the upper left quad?
I was hoping there was a way we could just drag our object anywhere on the stock.
Posts: 4
Participants: 3
@donnyfl wrote:
I created an .stl file with Tinkercad that has 6 baffles. When I imported into MeshCam and generated the tool path, it leaves out 2 of them. Any ideas how to fix
?.stl file
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qktdo412moulemw/baffles.stl?dl=0.mcf file
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sksnmqmckjqmybz/baffles.mcf?dl=0.nc file
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bhkb3yjzk9046kx/baffles.nc?dl=0
Posts: 5
Participants: 2
@Mark wrote:
Hello all, been reading the forums for about 4 weeks. Just received my Nomad 883 Pro yesterday, and fired it up this morning. I am having an issue trying to run a program. I was successful running the wrench project, so I am sure I am missing a step on my end. The problem is that once I load my G code from MechCAM V6 to Carbide motion I am missing something and breaking tools. My details steps are below. I am a mechanical engineer with 20 years of CAD, but zero experience on a CNC, limited machine shop experience. Thank you in advance.
1) set up cutter path in MeshCAM, 0,0,0 is left,front,top as shown (I think? Just going off of WCS).
2) Cutter is a 0.031 2 flute ball noise micro from Kodiak Cutting tools, no coating
3) Cutter path appears correct, no simulation option on my software for some reason.
4) Load Gcode program into Carbide Motion
4) Lock work piece (Renboard from Carbide, 2"X3"X1", use 1/8 wobble indicator from Carbide to find X&Y edges, then insert cutter to find Z zero. Wait, thats my issue isnt it. I'm changing the Z length when changing from wobbler to cutter to find the Z axis.
5) When I run the program, the cutter digs into the stock and break my cutters.
So, I may of figured out why I am doing it wrong, but can anyone explain how to find Z? Or will Carbide Motion automatically calculate the difference in the cutter lengths when it checks it?
OK, I think I figured it out, I would like someone to confirm since I am waiting on more cutters from Kodiak anyway =(
Thanks guys.
Posts: 14
Participants: 6
@mikep wrote:
What (if any?) are the differences between Meshcam Pro and the Meshcam license included with the Nomad?
Posts: 2
Participants: 2
@Tshulthise wrote:
I did a little bit of poking around and didn't see this posted but feel free to move it if I missed it...
I keep seeing MeshCam generate tool paths that cause it to run 50x longer than it needs to. It will make a little cut in one place then move all the way across the part then make a tiny cut in another place instead of just working in one area to prevent wasting huge amounts of time in travel.
I've been using MeshCam for a couple months now and I still don't have an intuitive feel for how the different roughing and finishing options work or how to know when to use which ones. Is there anything better than the MeshCam manual that's available online to explain how each of the options affect the tool paths?
I'm guessing my settings are the problem most times but I don't know how to figure out if that is true or not. I can't find any really good in depth tutorials.
Thanks for any links or suggestions!
Posts: 14
Participants: 8
@LonV wrote:
Hey guys, I'm trying to cut some acrylic and, I've got my origin in my gcode as the center/top of the stock. I then go to CarbideMotion and set the origin for the machine to the center/top of the stock.
When it starts it's movements, it's above the stock (not cutting at all or just barely cutting) when I expect it should be cutting through the entire stock (1.3mm).
Any ideas what I'm missing?
Thanks,
Lon
Posts: 4
Participants: 3
@Tshulthise wrote:
I'll update this post periodically as folks post more information to the thread. If I missed your suggestion just send me a message...
I find that MeshCAM is relatively easy to use but it creates toolpaths that take 10x longer than necessary. Its also pretty terrible for any kind of 2.5D cutting. I find its costing me more time than its worth. I want to make a list of MeshCAM alternatives here with prices and some of their pros and cons. As you post your favorite software packages and why you like them I'll update this post.
Possible method to improve MeshCAM toolpaths, suggested by @enl_public... "Meshcam paths can be sped up, to a point, by care in selecting regions at a time and breaking into more than one job. That will eliminate a lot, but not all of the wasted motion. "
Autodesk Fusion360 is very powerful CAD and CAM software, is improving monthly, is free if your business earns less than $100k/year. It does have a steep learning curve compared to some other packages though... http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview?td=aexfusion&mktvar002=673862&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=amer-edu-aex-fusion-360-activations-fy17&utm_id=673862&gclid=CjwKEAjwm8-6BRDgnb-Dk96UmRASJADbMycYe13udmY459OSDEZ8_8KsB6z2tPvL0E2EOYDdaL3NRRoCMYXw_wcB
Per @mikep "You don't need to be a student, but it's not obvious how you do this. Here are the directions:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-activate-start-up-or-educational-licensing-for-Fusion-360.htmlMy understanding of this is that you can do this over and over, and they're just fine with it, they are not limiting anyone to "free for 1 year" they just want you to re-certify yearly."
Shapeoko Wiki info here...
http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM
http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM#2.5D
Wiki list of other commercial options here: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Commercial_Software#3D_CAM3
Wiki list of free options are here: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM#3D3@mbellon recommended
VCarvePro - $700 http://www.vectric.com/store
SharpCAM - $526 http://www.sharpcam.co.uk/Purchase.aspx1
Cambam - $150 http://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam2@Randy recommended
SheetCAM $225 http://www.sheetcam.com/Register/purchase1Others:
Easel $free http://easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in4
MakerCAM $free http://www.makercam.com
Inkscape $free https://inkscape.org/enVectric products have come up a lot. I've seen VCarvePro recommended more than any other CNC router CAM program. Users almost always say its very intuitive to use but it also has a lot of powerful features. I haven't used it so I can't confirm.
http://www.vectric.com/store.html
@Bonch recommended MaxCut.
Quote... "This allows you to define your parts for sheet goods and layout your parts in the most economical cutting order to save material. It is also free for hobby users and has saved me a lot of money and time when building cabinets etc with plywood."
Posts: 62
Participants: 23
@jilee wrote:
I have an assumption that rough pass has higher feed rates but now I got confused when I compared the feed rate and plunger rates of the carbide auto tool path. Because the feed rate went higher when I pushed for a Higher Quality. I hope somebody can clear this for me.
Higher Quality-
Faster Machining
Posts: 1
Participants: 1
@noah8956 wrote:
I have an .stl file that I would like to generate gcode for using meshcam.. can anyone help? file attached.box2_groove_only.stl (6.9 KB)
Posts: 6
Participants: 3
@Tshulthise wrote:
This is one of those times where I hate MeshCAM. Such a simple task and I can't make it do it no matter what I try...
I start with the attached STL. I'll attach some renderings for reference.
I've already machined the outer edges which worked fine. Now I want to machine the slot in the center (only)... but MeshCAM simply will not do it. I want to use a 1/8" endmill. The slot is 0.130 wide. You can see that I've defined the zone to machine. It no workie. As you can see, MeshCAM just tries to peck at it 1000x which won't work.
ENTRY DUCT.stl (100.5 KB)
Posts: 5
Participants: 2
@mikep wrote:
Does PLUNGE_RATE_MOVE work in the current meshcam? It's still not in the docs, but it shows up to some extent in a few meshcam forum posts.... It's supposed to allow for a rapid to a safe height, then plunge rate to the material.
I haven't seen any updates to meshcam for quite some time, anyone know if there is one coming?
Posts: 5
Participants: 2
@mikep wrote:
Finally got irritated enough with the fuzzy text in meshcam on osx to figure out why the usually simple method to tweak this doesn't work (for me anyway). If you're irritated enough, and know your way around the shell, here's how to at least make it better. I haven't found any problems yet with this, but I won't promise anything. I'm sure Rob will eventually get this enabled, but I'm sure the guys are pretty busy right now.
First: go to /Applications/MeshCam.app/Contents , edit Info.plist with your favorite text editor , Add these four lines right before the (there are apps to do this part too)
NSPrincipalClass
NSApplication
NSHighResolutionCapable
TrueFor me, this wasn't enough. This is usually enough with a non-retina app to at least get better text.
IF when you restart Meshcam it is still fuzzy-texted...THEN...you need to flush the cached parameters from the launchservices database (....thanks Apple....stop helping me.)/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -f /Applications/MeshCam.app -all local,user
Keep in mind that if meshcam updates, you might need to do this again.
If you're curious, retinizer (http://retinizer.mikelpr.com/ a simple app that does the info.plist change...this isn't me, by the way, some other Mike....) works fine with Camotics without the extra launchservices call, but does not work with meshcam.
Posts: 1
Participants: 1
