Denford Software & Machines

Sometimes when I import my CAD file it turns the arcs into hundreds of little lines about 0.3mm apart. Not normally a problem with a modern machine but my old machine stops between each line of code, and has a tiny memory so this can be a huge problem.

I only work with lines and arcs to keep memory down and most of the time it works fine.

They are arcs in the CAD file, and look like arcs in QuickCAM, but when it outputs the machine file its a spline?

How can I stop it doing this?

Matt

Hi,

It depends on the radius of the arc as to how quick CAM processes it. Most machines are happy to have the arc broken into smaller lengths.

Admin will be able to answer in more depth.

QuickCAM will break everything down to lines when calculating the toolpath.
If you have the option to convert back to arcs on, then it will do its best to turn the lines back into arcs when posting the g-code.

Even if the shape was a spline, it should still be able to create arcs at certain points.

I have the "convert back to arcs" ticked.

Can I email you my files to look at admin, I think I have an address?

Last time this happened I played around and got it to work, no luck this time though. I would just like to know why its doing it.

yes - you can send to
technical
*at* denford
[dot]
co[.]uk