Читать книгу CNC Router Essentials - Randy Johnson - Страница 14

CNC Router Essentials

1 : CNC Basics

side is used to create the toolpaths for your project. Creating toolpaths involves seing parameters, including the kind of bit, the type of cut, the depth of cut, the number of passes, and the feeds and speeds for the bit.

One of the best parts of VCarve Pro is that aer the toolpath is created, you can preview the virtual results, Image 1.7. It’s a great way to proof your work, catch errors, and verify that your project looks correct before cuing. If everything looks good, you can save your toolpath through a process called post-processing (also part of VCarve Pro), which converts your toolpaths to machine code. Post processors are machine specific, so be sure you choose the correct one for your CNC. This cuing file

is then saved and loaded directly into the control soware from your computer or via flash drive to the computer or pendant that is aached to the CNC machine, Image 1.8.

Control soware usually comes with the CNC machine because it needs to be configured to match the machine’s mechanical and electrical setup, Image 1.9. Some machines use a pendant to control the machine, while others are hooked directly to a computer. Both contain similar functions for controlling the machine, because their primary function is to aid the operator in preparing the machine for cuing, and then reading the cuing file and directing the CNC’s movements.

Image 1.7: One of the most helpful features of VCarve Pro is its ability generate a toolpath preview. The 3-D representation of your project will help you refine your design and find toolpath errors.