Hy guys! I have this situation: I can make a gcode from a stl file. The Gcode opens nicely on openbuilds controller. But the problem is that I can't find a way or a program to cut the Gcode to run the code step by step in depth (mm by mm) In the absence of slicing, the controller commands the cnc to do all the work in one pass. It may work on industrial machines, but my Workbee does not pose the problem. Any solutions? Thanks!
You need to use a CNC 3DCAM application (Not a Slicer, slicers are for 3D printing) Like Vectric Products - OpenBuilds Part Store or Fusion360, to generate CNC compatible toolpaths from the STL. When you setup your toolpaths, things like Depth of Cut (pass depth) etc can be setup Then you post process those toolpaths to GCODE making sure to use a Grbl Compatible post processor (for example: VCarve GRBL Post Processor Mods or Fusion 360: grbl post processor install (the easy way) )
Although I have never tried it yet, Estlcam can machine STL files. There is a free version, but the paid version ($59) is the option I chose after trying it. It is also easy to generate CAM from various types of other files like .dxf and .svg. if you search Estlcam on YouTube, the developer has a bunch of short videos for the various processes.
Thanks! I've tried some programs, but i found that my laptop is way out of capabilities to work with the majority of them. Pff! When you start to play with those toys, it gets complicated.
Imagine! I have a laptop with a 32 bit setup windows. I wanted to install Fusion 360, but no way to work on 32 bit. Now ...it gets complicated again. Installing 64 bits OP offer a bigger ram memory, but 64 bits sistem spread a big part of the ram on maintaining some functions in best shape. So it will work with more lag that the32 bit version. Then again, the 32 bit, even if you have more ram on your sistem, it only uses around 3,3 Giga. So ... back to the problem again. In conclusion ... i am struggeling to stay on the sistem i have, but i got a lot of limitations. I don't have the bugget now to upgrade, so i'm tryng to find the shortcuts i need. Enyway... thanks for the informations.
I've done this with ESTLcam with success, made the file using tinkercad, and Estlcam lets you set max cut depth and roughing and finish passes. I was going to post a project here but time has been short! This was my son's co2 car.. it won first place Cheers Gary
Sadly most CAD CAM software needs a decent PC. Probably your hardware does support 64bit, just needs a format. Speak to your local IT guy about the best way forward, even if you need upgraded hardware, the IT guy probably has a box of secondhand bits you can have for free/cheap or you can find good stuff on Craigslist
I run Estlcam on a crappy 11" windows 7 32 bit laptop someone gave me. It routinely freezes up when using sketchup if other programs are running, but it runs Estlcam just fine.
