Generate G-code to rotate cutting tool along path?

[Paul Sisneros]

I'm thinking of making a low end, GRBL sheild and open source software type of machine that cuts with a blade. Could use a Smoothie board or stuff meant for 3D printers too, whatever works.

Before I try writing my own, I was wondering if anyone knows of a g-code generator that can create rotation commands for a cutter that needs to be aligned with it's direction of movement?

If not I think I'll just use one meant for 2D plotting and post process the rotation axis in from the XY data, but I'm always glad to use work that's already done.

Side question, what 2D plotting g-code generator do you like? I see there are plenty like FlatCAM, PyCAM and PCB-gCode. But ones that are well liked and recommended could save some time.

Thanks!

[Shane T.]

Have you looked at vinyl cutter software? I'm pretty sure that the blade is just dragged across the piece so it automatically aligns the cutter in the appropriate way, but perhaps there's some magic going on behind the scenes....

[Steve Pilon]

I know Mach 3 can calculate this under its tangential knife settings, there is also an option to lift the knife based on if an angle is greater x degrees. 

[Paul Sisneros]

I think some tools do just drag, but this is more like a vibrating exacto blade, it might wobble itself out of orientation if it's not driven to the right angle.

I'll check out the knife settings. Sounds like it's made for what I'm thinking of.

On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 1:58 AM, Steve Pilon <spi...@gmail.com> wrote:

I know Mach 3 can calculate this under its tangential knife settings, there is also an option to lift the knife based on if an angle is greater x degrees. 

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[Pete Prodoehl]

Yes, drag knives are a thing... they rotate as needed based on the direction they are going.


Pete

[Paul Sisneros]

Yeah, I've seen them in vinyl cutters. I just think for this application it would be worth the extra effort to put in powered rotation. I'm kind of making a miniature version of the carbon fiber cutters they have at SpaceX, but this one is just to cut cloth. Although using it for composites could be cool if it works. I think driving the cutter rotation will allow for sharper corners and make it more precise.

[Paul Sisneros]

While I'm at it, any thoughts on a good cutting surface? It would be best if it can hold down, but I don't know if a vacuum is needed.

I'm considering this

https://www.amazon.com/Durable-Corporation-Fingertip-Entrance-Thickness/dp/B010XAWC2U/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1501006796&sr=1-2&keywords=finger+mat

or maybe just foam rubber which would be consumable, maybe cardboard.

The 100k carbon fiber cutting machines are just precise enough that they don't cut the table, but since this is cloth and im pretty sure I'll have to pass through it to cut it I'll need something.

Maybe not though, it just seems like with cloth if I don't push the blade through it probably won't cut completely, unless I use a tiny spinning blade or something. Guess I'll have to experiment.

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[Pete Prodoehl]

Cutting mat?

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDHV9L1/

Made for it... comes in all sizes.

The Silhouette Cameo has a method for cutting fabric, check that out.

Pete

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[Adam Lange]

Paul, I wrote a cam software to move a hot wire loop on a four axis machine along a path on a surface and orient the loop's position according to the surface it is carving and the path. It is definitely possible to make it work for this application.

Adam

[Paul Sisneros]

That wouldn't happen to be available to use (for free or for pay) would it? It sounds like just the thing.

On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 2:58 PM, Adam Lange <adam.la...@gmail.com> wrote:

Paul, I wrote a cam software to move a hot wire loop on a four axis machine along a path on a surface and orient the loop's position according to the surface it is carving and the path. It is definitely possible to make it work for this application.

Adam

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[Adam Lange]

I'll dig it up later tonight and put it on GitHub.

Adam

[Jerry HM]

THIS!........  is why I love MMS so much!

 

Kudos for being excellent to each other!

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[Paul Sisneros]

Thanks! That would be awesome!

On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 5:42 PM, Jerry HM <whisp...@hotmail.com> wrote:

THIS!........  is why I love MMS so much!

 

Kudos for being excellent to each other!

 

 

 

From: milwaukeemakerspace@googlegroups.com [mailto:milwaukeemakerspace@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Adam Lange
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 5:07 PM
To: milwaukeemakerspace@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [MakerSpace] Re: Generate G-code to rotate cutting tool along path?

 

I'll dig it up later tonight and put it on GitHub.

 

Adam

 

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[Adam Lange]

Ok, it's on github:

https://github.com/adamLange/wireCAM/tree/edgeslice

Make sure you clone from branch edgeslice for now.

- Adam

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