CNC milling machine
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Hi All
Does anyone know if SU can be exported into a CNC directly
I have a project to do for a friend, but have no idea what format of file these machines useCheers Dean
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They usually take formats like DXF or DWG - check what the machine is and what it'll take... they can vary.
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Thanks TIG
I thought it was possible, I'll check on the machine -
Usually cnc machines run a gcode file. So you need a CAM program to mark up and convert your model to the proper tool paths. If you are doing 2D/2.5D stuff, there is a sketchup plugin called "Phlatscript" (they just changed it to "SketchUCam")that can generate the gcode directly from sketchup. You can download it at phlatforum.com (need to register to get on the forum). I have a video on youtube showing how it is used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9f-bC3hpHQ
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As has been said... a CNC machine uses special code ['gcode'] BUT there are converters in its software to allow certain file types like DXF to be converted to that special code... so you need to find out what types of file this specific CNC machine can take in and translate... Converting the SKP to 'gcode' direct is an option, but most machines include translators for some file-types [not SKP unfortunately]
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