MillCAM Designer problems and FAQs

[Denford Admin]

Here is a list of commonly asked questions about MillCAM designer.

If you have had the software for a long time, its worth checking our website for the latest download - under support (Technical)

[Denford Admin]

These answers are not definative, and you may find a more relevant solution elsewhere on the Forum


Q. The software will not find a post processor.
Early versions of Mill CAM Designer were shipped with two disks, one of which was a post processor library disk. If using an earlier version of Mill CAM Designer, make sure that the library disk is installed. If problems remain, reinstall the library disk.

Q. After importing a DXF file, I can only see part of the image.
DXF files are handled by Mill CAM as vectors for creation of CNC cutter tool paths. This means that curved lines in DXF files are handled as a series of short straight lines. A DXF file containing complicated curves uses most, if not all, allocated memory. If trying to import text, we recommend that you use one of the pre designed fonts in Mill CAM Designer. This will also reduce the time needed for milling.

If you must use a complicated DXF file, there are a number of ways to successfully import the image. You can try to reduce the minimum line length (default setting 1.00) to reduce the total number of lines in the graphic, or, split the graphic into two separate DXF files and import each half into Mill CAM with the same scale (set a small Step size to help aligning both halves of the image). However, by using a complicated graphic in Mill CAM, you must expect milling times to increase.

Q. How can I create a design template? (Version 2 and above)
Start a design in CAM just as you would normally - meaning set the depths, cutters, grid, etc. Also add any design elements that must be included in the template. Click File > Save Project. Click the New Project button, type a name, and click OK. To load the project, start Mill CAM Designer using the Projects icon.

Q. When creating a G-code file, an error message stating "Cannot find supporting library file" appears.
Mill CAM Designer is a 16 bit application and cannot support long file names or long strings of characters. Always try to save using a filename shorter than 8 characters. Also, try to save the file as locally as possible, no deeper than 3 folders deep into a directory. Again, the folder names should contain no more than 8 characters. Ideally, save the file to c:\denford\data.

Q. Why do I sometimes get "Object Type Unknown" when I try to modify an element in Edit mode?
Dragging with the left mouse button to select elements should only be used to select a multiple of elements to do things like cut, copy, paste etc. but should not be used to select individual elements. For property editing, use the right mouse button instead.

Q. When trying to start the software, I receive an error message stating "Dongle not present". The software will not open.
If using a keyed version of software, check that the security key is plugged in the parallel port. Also check that the parallel port is functional. If using a flash version, call Denford.

Q. After creating a design, I cannot create a G code file.
1.) Check that the maximum machine time exceeds the time needed to machine. This is done by pressing the Alt and S keys at the same time when in the design screen. (Version 2 and above)
2.) If using the keyed version, check to see that the security key is plugged into the parallel port.
3.) If using the flashed version, call Denford.

Q. When selecting a depth of cut, an error message appears stating "You can not cut that deep with the cutter selected".
Choose a different depth of cut OR increase the "Cutter Maximum Depth". This is done in the Set Tooling window. Click "Create G code > Set G code parameters". Select the cutting tool and increase the cutter maximum depth value. When complete, click OK.

Q. The cutter I would like to select is unavailable.
The "Cutter Maximum Depth" is set to zero. The value must be increased. To do this, click "Create G code > Set G code parameters". Select the cutting tool and increase the cutter maximum depth value. When complete, click OK.

Q. When machining a part on the CNC machine, the cutter goes too deep into the stock.
First check that the correct depth of cut is set in the CNC program. Do this by looking at the Z- value(s) in the CNC program. This will tell you if the depth was set incorrectly in Mill CAM Designer. If the depth appears to be OK, check the offsets (part zero). Refer to the machine manual for offset information.

Q. The paste scale window is displaying an incorrect maximum scale.
Restart the software. If the problem is occurring when importing a DXF file, you may want to use a different graphic or reinstall the DXF file that is importing incorrectly.

Q. Cannot find font file.
Open the MCD2.INI file. This file can be opened in Windows Notepad. Refer to the section that begins with [Path Data]. A line will be shown that begins with "Font Files=". Change the line to read Font Files=c:\denford\fonts\curved1.fnt. Save the INI file.

[boots]

What is the maximum size when importing a dxf file?
How do I scale a dxf file to fit the billet and have about a 1/2" on each side?

[boots]

When you import a dxf file into your design, a screen pops up with “Minimum Line Length”, click OK. The next screen pops up with an “Enter Scaling Factor, Maximum Scale = ***** “, this is the maximum size the dxf can be to fill the billet. In the box below this you need to enter a smaller number to scale down the dxf file to the size you want, click OK. If you do not like the size, right click to delete the image then re-open the dxf file and enter a different “Scaling Factor” number.

You may have to do these steps a few times to get the size you want of the image.



Example:

Billet = 3” x 6”

Bat.dxf max scale = 0.996 The bat will have a 6” wing span.

I want a 5” wing span, so the wing span is 5/6 or 83.33% ( 0.996 x 0.8333 = 0.8299668 )

Enter 0.8299668 in for the “Scaling Factor”, the bat now has a 5” wing span. This is from the center of the cutter to the center of the cutter. You will need to reduce the number more if you are using a large diameter cutter (more math involved or trial and error).


HINT:
When trying to position a dxf file image (click and drag) in the drawing, click on the “Step” tool and click and hold the down arrow until the lowest number is available in the “Change Step Size” window.