STOP! Don’t save in DXF from Inkscape if you’re next stop is SheetCam. Save, just save. It will save as SVG and SheetCam will love you for it!
When you import drawing to SheetCam, choose .SVG as the type.
STOP! Don’t save in DXF from Inkscape if you’re next stop is SheetCam. Save, just save. It will save as SVG and SheetCam will love you for it!
When you import drawing to SheetCam, choose .SVG as the type.
$$ tom! that did it!
Ok time to run post process … Mach3 no Z correct?
im getting an error Error: Evaluation limit reached
Post processing failed
I searched it up and found that i need to purchase sheetcam to use it? milling,routing and plasma CAM software for Windows and Linux for $153.13 sound about right? am i able to use it on multiple computers? or only one will be able to have the program?
Yes, you need to purchase it to use it on anything useful. I think you can buy it from Langmuir Systems for a small discount. Either place you buy it, there will be delay before they send the license to you. They’re based in UK, I believe.
Their official policy is that you can install it on two computers, but they are somewhat relaxed about that.
wow…did not know that…I will look into this…thanks
Ok i will purchase now and see if i can an answer on that! I was hoping to fire this thing up tonight!
Ok so i believe its automatically generated because i had it in ten minutes! I did send them an email in the 5 minutes i was waiting for the license to be emailed to me and asked about multiple computers only to recieve this message with my license email: Please note that this license is for ONE computer only. Using it on multiple computers could result in the license being permanently disabled Anyway i ran the post processor and looks good!
Now What!!! … i was searching for next step and saw a forum about the post process tool, i currently have it selected to Mach3 plasma post processor
Generic plasma post for machines without THC
Modal G-codes and coordinates
Comments enclosed with ( and )
M03/M05 turn the torch on/off
Incremental IJ
I didnt see firecontrol as an option.
You need to download the Firecontrol post processor for Sheetcam from Langmuir’s download section on their website. Copy that to the Posts directory in your Sheetcam installation. Then pick that as your post under the Options menu.
Also if you send Kevin(?) a note on the Sheetcam forum explaining why you want to use it on 2 machines (like I design & setup on my computer in my warm living room but would like the option to quickly fix a path or regenerate for different material using the laptop that controls the Crossfire in my cold garage) he will set you up for the extra machine. Or at least he has in the past.
You can do a run with the demo version as long as it’s a simple design. This probably isn’t a bad idea anyway since you can shake down the process without too much complication.
Try a 2" square with a 1" hole in the middle. You can use that to measure your system and calibrate your kerf.
ok im goin to work on setting up the post processor
I am messing around with a couple other pieces and i am getting an error … outside offset (LAYER NOT FOUND) this layer does not exist no paths were generated. The tool may be too big or there may be a problem with the drawing.
is that because the post processor isn’t set up correctly or are the cut to small? there are some intricate lines in the design but nothing too crazy.
Apparently I was wrong about this, see: Looking for HELP and info!
They must have changed the policy this year. In any case, you can arrange to install it on multiple computers.
ok i think i got this post process situation down, I appreciate everybody’s help so much. Im not use to working with a computer other than emails and invoices lol so when you tell me to download from the page its a little more complicated for me to understand, even though its simple (after spending an hour trying to figure it out only to realize it wasn’t that bad) Anyway im hoping to comeback tonight and cut out some simple stars and a 2 hole bracket. I will update you guys!
All right there it is! SUCCESS!!! Definetly needs some fine tuning but i cut something before the new year so its a win. Here are some pix.
So i did try and make a two hole tab but wasn’t able to get it to cut in sheet cam. i will be trying to do this one again.
Im also go to change lead in time. I was cutting 22g steel and had the razorweld 45 at 29A 70psi. I have a 16g solid steel piece coming in tomorrow. Any recommendations?
Cool! Congratulations!
Now, it looks like your torch isn’t turning off, is your 2T/4T switch set to 4T? It should be 2T.
If you zip up your SVG and your .JOB files we can take a look at them and see what’s what…
Good! Now by looking at the stars…what is lead in or out lengths? Not sure if torch is firing early for lead in or staying on, the 2 stars show it cutting independently and not following G0 to next pierce, so that makes me think outside cut with 2.00 lead in, also note that both start and stop points are outside of star…difference is one is about 1/8 long and other about 2.00 inches long(guessing on lengths)
Def. Post code.
Let’s say the stars are about 2x2, click inside cut and maybe .15 lead in on an arc or perpendicular. You can move start points.
Since a lot of others have said what they use I’ll throw mine into the ring! I have done mostly technical projects with mine, not art work. So, I do a lot of fixtures, holes, plates, stuff like that. I’m an engineer so my background is mostly in 2D autocad and various 3D programs. What I do is draw my project in 3D, if it were for example a plate with holes, then I will export a 2D dxf. from SolidWorks to Fushion 360 for G-code. I do this because I also use the 3D model for quotes ect so I “kill two birds with one stone” by doing it this way. I will agree with what a lot of people are saying… Fushion360 isn’t exactly the most user friendly when it comes to drawing which is why I use solidworks… Solidworks isn’t exactly a cheap program to buy so I wouldn’t recommend it for just hobby stuff but figured I’d share my process. Good luck!
Tom i think your correct about the 2t/4t. The machine was not firing up at first and i did hit that button. so i will make sure to keep at 2t. I will work on getting those files for the group, thanks!
GunTruck1776 - I will need to look into that info, i will be cutting out some more peces today so ill take a better look at my setting. As tom mentioned may be that 2t/4t switch.
Ben2018 - Thanks for the input. That is one thing i plan to do i the near future is having 3D models available for clients. I get asked all the time for an “example” but most of the stuff i do tends to be custom so there aren’t examples, my drawing skills suck and they don’t seem to have imagination lol but once i have mastered inkscape i will be looking for another program to take my skills to the next level.
I would export as SVG (Fusion can import SVG too). It’s a better format for cutting curves as they are mathematically defined in SVG but are approximated using lots of straight line segments in DXF. The same curved object will cut in one torch movement using SVGs but lots of starts & discrete changes of direction using DXF. In addition to more G-Code DXFs can also end up being choppy in the cutout.
BFuentes are you going to put some water in the tank to keep the dirt down? Looks like a lot of smoke coming up from table! Or do you have water in there and it is real clear!
Sir…am I mistaken or is there no water in your table?