printing toolpaths

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thomp150
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Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:45 am

printing toolpaths

Post by thomp150 »

Is there a way to print 2D previews of tool paths (other than "print screen")? This would be very helpful in cutting components from large sheetstock.

Gene

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Tony Mac
Vectric Alumni
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Re: printing toolpaths

Post by Tony Mac »

Hello Gene,

Afraid there isn't away of directly printing from the software.

We recommend users export their 2D designs as DXF or EPS and
use software such as Corel Draw / AutoCAD etc. to do the 1:1
printing, but appreciate this will not include the toolpath data.

Tony

thomp150
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:45 am

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by thomp150 »

Thank you for the reply. However, the toolpath data is what I really want to be able to print.

Gene

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Phil
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Location: Pittsfield, MA

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by Phil »

The toolpath data is a text file. It can be opened in Windows Notebook, edited, and printed.

thomp150
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:45 am

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by thomp150 »

Thank you. I was aware of the text file. I was not clear in specifying what I want to see. I simply want a quick visual of the tool paths for clamp placement, etc. I formerly did this with Part Wizard, and found this to be quite helpful. I'll us work-arounds for now.

Gene

Andy
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 121
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:21 pm

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by Andy »

This program will print a toolpath. 15 day free trial.

http://www.cncci.com/products/ncplot.htm

For example, the pdf file I've included is from a Mach3 toolpath file, and what would print on paper if I had printed to a printer instead of a pdf printer.
Attachments
NCPlot_v2.pdf
(54.61 KiB) Downloaded 159 times
Escapement Gear.gif

thomp150
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:45 am

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by thomp150 »

Thanks -- I'll check it out.

bdring
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Joined: Fri Jan 26, 2007 5:19 pm
Location: River Forest, IL

Re: printing toolpaths

Post by bdring »

This might help

I remebered a thread about "angular corners" in VCarve Tips and Tricks that mentioned a DXF post processor. I looked in my list of post processors and found a 3D DXF (mm) post. I tried it and it gave me a DXF of the tool path that could be imported over the design.

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