You have a general understanding of the components
that make up a CNC system... now how do they all work together? How do you go
from a concept to a finished product?
You start by drawing your design using a CAD program. After
you have drawn your part, you will save the geometry in 3D STL or 2D DXF
format. DXF is the most common format used today. Once you have the file saved
in DXF format, exit your CAD program and start DesKAM 2000.
DesKAM 2000 will load in your DXF file and allow you to
select a tool style, what kind of milling or drilling operation will be
performed, and other machine related parameters. From your input, DesKAM 2000
will do all the required calculations to create an accurate set of paths for
the tool to follow. You may edit these paths to get the best possible
combination to successfully create your part.
Once the tool paths are created, DesKAM can save the ASCII
file containing the G-Codes needed to control your equipment. The files may
also be sent to others in the manufacturing community to create the part for
you.
If you will be manufacturing the item yourself, now is the
time to load the file into the computer connected to your CNC equipment. DeskNC
will read the gcode file and output the required signals to drive your stepper
motor drivers directly. DeskNC will interpret each G-Code and properly move the
tool along the tool path. Minor equipment backlash can even be corrected
automatically by DeskNC.
That's It! This powerful software combination is the key to
creating those intricate parts you thought you could never make! Welcome to the
world of CNC.