Lazycam Tutorial
In this video I have shown how to convert an Autocad drawing to Gcode for CNC machining using Lazycam.
At first a rectangle is Exploded into path using ‘explode’ command. Then ‘monotext’ is used as font because other fonts would break into double lined texts when using ‘txtexp’ command to Explode the text to path, for the sake of simplicity.
TUTORIAL #8 - LAZYCAM TABBING. This is just a quick tutorial on the tabbing function. Tabbing is defined as providing a number of cut slots around a profile. To show the process a simple profile was used. No testing was done to see the effects on different profiles. Here are the basic steps: 1. I am using Lazycam to import an image, then want to generate g-code for mach3 mill. When I try to convert the image using spiral or xy/yx, the resulting import is empty, meaning there is only data to move the x/y, and no data to move z. I don't know how well Lazycam will import files other than a dxf. If you want, post a few and i wil try them out. Yes, the idea is what you import is what you will cut. Part of the intent of Tutorial #1 and Section 5 was to show that if the exported information is logicaly prepared in the way you want to machine something it will be easier to. Then it is imported to LazyCam which produces the Gcode for CNC Machining. LazyCam has several profiles, in this case Mill is used. Then clicking on the Optimize button optimizes it’s rapids (by which path the machine moves rapidly) and then resets the origin to 0,0 position. CONTACT US Call or email if you have any questions about Arclight Dynamics CNC systems or other products. 20495 Murray Rd #115 Bend, OR 97701.
The completed file is then saved as AutoCad R12 DXF format which for my case were best supported by the LazyCam software.
Then it is imported to LazyCam which produces the Gcode for CNC Machining. LazyCam has several profiles, in this case Mill is used. Then clicking on the Optimize button optimizes it’s rapids (by which path the machine moves rapidly) and then resets the origin to 0,0 position. Then there is scale adjustments, first it is told to measure in mm. By clicking again I set the value in mm.
Post Code posts the gcode in a file which is later imported into Mach3 for machining. Configuring Mach3 for CNC machine is another topic and it is generally provided by the manufacturer. Also they have a good website on this: http://www.machsupport.com/ with support forums. Here is the video:
Mach3 and Mach4 are PC based software solutions for generating the GCode to run your CNC machine. They are developed and supported by ArtSoft.
Mach3 came first and targeted the hobby market.
Mach4 comes in different levels, for the hobbyist again, up to the larger professsional workshop running their CNC day in, day out.
LazyCam is CAM software developed by ArtSoft itself and comes free with Mach3. It allows import of DXF and other files formats into Mach3, which in turn generates the code to run a CNC.
LazyCam is no longer being developed by ArtSoft however. It was never completely finished and in any case was used with Mach3 which isn’t really intended for professional use as we mentioned above.
If you are a professional using ArtSoft software, Mach4 is a much better option. But you’ll need CAM software to go with it.
There are a huge range of options to choose from including ArtCam, CamBam, VCarve Pro or Aspire and Alphacam.
We often get asked what CAM software we recommend for use with Polyboard, our furniture design and manufacturing software. For 3 axis CNCs, we tend to recommend VCarve Pro. For more complex 4 and 5 axis CNCs, you may need to look at a higher end CAM software like Alphacam or Enroute or DDX’s EasyWOOD.
Let’s take a look at VCarve Pro. First of all, the very good news…it comes with a Mach post processor so the integration will work in full. Please check with Vetric who make VCarve to determine which post processor will be the best one for your CNC.
It’s also inexpensive and works very well. It offers a basic nesting solution too for nesting CNCs.
Mlb 2k12 pc download. Aspire is an upgrade on VCarve Pro, also made by Vetric. It works just as well and offers in addition conversion of 2D drawings into 3D models with relief work. A great addition but not absolutely necessary for cabinetry and other furniture manufacture.
To explain in brief the integration, first design a furniture project in Polyboard which creates a cut list of the project. Then output part by part DXF files of this cut list from Polyboard into VCarve.
VCarve then outputs the machine code to run the Mach configured CNC. The whole process only take a few minutes and massively cuts down on human error as it is virtually automatic.
For a complete nesting solution, add our OptiNest nesting optimisation package to the set up for labelling of parts and stock and off cut management (not provided by VCarve). Polyboard exports the project cut list to OptiNest which produces a DXF file of the nesting map for each panel.
Lazycam
This is a very fast and accurate way to get from design to production, much faster than manually inputting the dimensions of each part into your CAM software. It works for furniture manufacture but also stair manufacture using our StairDesigner software.
Lazycam Tutorial
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the best set up for you.