drawing files (.dxf) for machining. Drawing files may also be imported from
other CAD programs.
2.
Assign machining qualities (edge finish).
The next step is to assign machining qualities (edge finish) to the drawing entities
(lines, arcs, etc.) that tell the nozzle how fast or slow to move to obtain the
desired edge finish.
3.
Clean the drawing.
Next, the drawing should be cleaned to remove duplicate entities, extra dots,
gaps, and other garbage entities that are hard to find in the drawing. A clean
drawing eliminates machining confusion by defining only one continuous path
for the machine to follow.
4.
Add path elements to the drawing.
After cleaning, path elements need to be drawn. Path elements tell the machine
where to cut, where to travel without cutting (traverse), when to pierce the
material (lead in) and the exit points (lead out).
5.
Create the machine tool path file (ORD/OMX).
The last step in LAYOUT is to convert the drawing file to a machine tool path file
(ORD/OMX) that tells the machine how to cut the part.
MAKE
6.
Start up the machine.
After the drawing file is prepared and converted to a machine tool path file, the
next step is to start the machine per the
7.
Open and configure the ORD/OMX file.
The tool path file is opened and the material setup data is entered so the machine
knows the path to cut and the material type and thickness.
8.
Load and secure the material.
The material is then placed and secured to the cutting stage. Fixturing the
material to prevent any movement in the X, Y, or Z directions is critical in
making good parts.
9.
Position the nozzle
Attach the splash guard to the nozzle assembly with the cup up. Set the nozzle
stand-off at the highest point of the material surface, and then move the nozzle to
the start of the machine tool path.
10.
Prepare for machining.
Conduct a dry run to ensure the part fits on the material and the nozzle clears
any obstacle. Any problems found during the dry run can be corrected before
machining the part.
Summary of Contents for ProtoMax
Page 45: ......