Third, it rotates the torch around a small radius (.05') during preheating. Second, it starts a pierce by moving towards the center of a hole. First, it takes out the z values generated by the DXF to G-code Converter (not needed in a 2-axis motion system at hand). To address the proper piercing issue, Vann Miller has written a correction script. Thus, finetuning is a precise matter - if one is interested in precise cuts such as small bolt holes. Moreover, the width of the cut needs to be considered, so the actual toolpath needs to be modified by about 1/16 smaller diameter size for circles when using a #2 cutting tip. It further emerges that the fuel flow rate should decrease after metal ignition, as the fuel gas is important primarily in preheating, not in cutting. Moreover, one wants to preheat the metal not by standing in place, but oscillate back and forth to heat the metal more evenly. Instead, one wants to pierce inside a hole, and subsequently move to the circle contour. For example, when one wants to torch out a hole - one should not pierce the metal right on the cutting line, because piercing is a messy operation. It turns out that the above code, while in principle correct, does not address the practical considerations of piercing metal. Note that we are in a 2-hose machine torch configuration with manual cutting gas toggle.Īs it stands, the toolchain for open source torch cutting is quite disintegrated.

Eliminate the z feeds since we don't use the z axis for plate torching.

Note: Change G21 to G20 for mm -> inch scale within DXF 2 G-Code.

Note: Why does DXF 2 G-Code generate the toolpath twice?.

Note: DXF 2 G-Code displays a bunch of import errors when importing Will's sample DXF generated from Solidworks just click through all the errors, and the image appears at the end.

To assure that the object that is being fabricated has the desired dimensions, start with an inch scale in QCad for the USA.

Open Source CNC Torch Table Shakedown from Open Source Ecology on Vimeo. In other words: Generate your CAD in QCAd like in this example:

Read the DXF from the File menu in the DXF 2 G-Code script.

For Factor e Farm implementation - python d2g.py.Run the script from within the directory where the script is located: python scriptname.py.

For Factor e Farm implementation - cd gcode.

Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the script.

Download python DXF2gcode conversion script onto your desktop.

The instructions complicate the issue for novices. Just download the python script, run it, import the DXF, export the g-code file (.ngc).

Note: forget about the installation instructions.

Let's cut wheel mounting plates for the open source tractor with the torch table: The program converts a 2D dxf drawing to CNC machine compatible G-Code.

Online dxf to gcode converter