???? Copy tool path

[anix396]

I am sure the answer is right in front of me and I just don't see it. I have built a file with about 6 different cuts and have the tool paths laid out. I need to cut about 12 of these out of one board and do not really want to reenter all of the tool path over for each piece. My question is....is there a way to copy all of the tool paths for one piece and paste it in 12 different locations??? I have played with templates and can't seem to make it do what I want it too. Thankful for any suggestions.

[james mcgrew]

Any chance we could see the file ?

[Pete Cyr]

I would duplicate whatever you are cutting on the sheet (probably by nesting or you can just copy and paste) as many times as you need and then group each line to be cut and then calculate the profile for that group.

Repeat for the other 5 toolpaths.

[Michael Mezalick]

You can also associate the toolpath with the vectors that are on different layers.
See Adrian answer to the same question
http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.p...olpath#p112518

Michael

[anix396]

Thanks for the reply. James I would post the file but I am making these for a customer. He sells them in a highly competitive market and he thinks his design is better than his competition. So I know he would not approve of me sharing it. If it were a project of mine, I would gladly post it. Pete I believe that if I did it your way it would go from one piece to the other cutting one tool path and then back for the next tool path, and I want it to complete a part before it move to the next one. Michael I read that post and there is still a lot I have not learned about layers so I am not sure I understand all the steps.
Thanks

[Pete Cyr]

You are correct about the process I outlined. Hope someone else can assist.

[Michael Mezalick]

Al, it really easy,,,give me a few to write a better description..
You'll find it's what you need.
Be back soon.
Michael

[anix396]

Great Michael thanks.

[Speedy]

Al, it really easy,,,give me a few to write a better description..
You'll find it's what you need.
Be back soon.
Michael

I've been lucky enough to be on this end of post.
Get ready for a Doctoral Presentation.
I don't know when Michael works or sleep.
Gotta love that guy

Larry

[David Warkentin]

You know, I had this same thing awhile back and finally I think I just tool pathed each one. I will be here to learn.

[MarkZ]

Hi,

I'm not sure I understand your goal. If you just want to cut a dozen pieces at different locations why not generate taps for one piece then... run it, change x,y origin, run it again, ... ? If you're planning to do this a lot you can write a couple of lines of g code to change the x,y origin then insert that between copies of the tap file.

[rcrawford]

Hi,

I'm not sure I understand your goal. If you just want to cut a dozen pieces at different locations why not generate taps for one piece then... run it, change x,y origin, run it again, ... ? If you're planning to do this a lot you can write a couple of lines of g code to change the x,y origin then insert that between copies of the tap file.

I remember reading a way for WinCNC to do this in an 'array'. Have to look at the manual again to figure it out (or maybe in was just a g-code array, not specific for WinCNC).

[Michael Mezalick]

Here is one example of how to create multiple toolpaths from one toolpath.

It is not meant to replace learning G-Code, but simply another tool, if you are using Aspire or V-Carve.

As noted in previous posts, you can rewrite the G-Code with a copy and paste technique, but this may be easier if you are trying to position your work in a specific location.

You can rotate the component or toolpath as needed and still associate the toolpath to that new location.

I am not that fluent in G-Code so for me, the easier the better.
Please let me know if this helps.

If not, as Speedy knows, all you need to do is get in touch with me and I’ll do my best to help .

Disclaimer: This is not an absolute document..It’s just one simple method.

If you find any mistakes or other work arounds, please post them for all to learn.

“We help ourselves by helping others.” ( Jim McGrew )

Michael

[Michael Mezalick]

PS,,
There will be a test on Monday

Sorry, I just had to add this,,,,I was getting way too serious for my own good...

~M

[rcrawford]

If you have designed a part, and want to cut multiple copies of that part where it completely finishes one part before moving on to the next, then here is the simplest method I can think of.

(Note, this requires editing the g-code. Very simple to do, but you also need to make sure you aren't making mistakes! I always like to preview in WinCNC first to make sure it looks like the cuts are in the right place.)

So if you have a part that is 12" x 12", and you want to make 16 copies of it in a 4x4 array:

You'd have to type in this line at the beginning of your G-code (just before any speeds are set, etc):

L10 R4 C4 X12 Y12
G92XY

L10 is the array command. It will repeat the entire code until the end of the file.
R is the number of rows
C is the number of columns
X is the x-distance you want the spindle to move before repeating the file
Y is the y-distance you want the spindle to move before repeating the file
The G92XY resets the local X0Y0 so the program won't go back and cut the same place every time!

Your first part will be cut completely out, as you programmed it, and then the spindle will move over 12" and the whole file will be cut again. It will cut the file 16 times.

For a better explanation, look up L10 in the WinCNC manual.