Converting Pro D to G Code using Mill Wizard 2/11/05
Pro D 8.0
-Units in inches or mm -Part Constraints: Make sure your part is small enough to be cut with the CNC machine. -Design Tip: The Milling machine can only cut contours from one direction. You must take this into consideration when designing your parts.
Exporting to STL: Once you Have created your design in Pro D, you will need to translate your part to the STL (Stereo Lithography) language, so that Mill Wizard will be able to understand your part.
With your file open
Click File, Export, and select Stereo Lithography File.
In the Export STL dialog:
click browse, and select the directory where you will save your file
Set the scale to 1
Leave the Tolerance box alone
Set the Output mode to ASCII.
Click OK
Open Mill Wizard
Converting to G Code:
Select File:
Click Select File, and locate your STL file.
Do Not Select "Model was in Inches" your STL is always exported in mm even if dimensions are set to Inches in pro D. (STL's are standard in mm)
click Next
Cut Direction:
Select the direction of cut (generally from the top) click next
Resize Model:
full scale is default click next
Cut Plane:
(ie. How deep) Generally set to 0.0 for full depth click next
Material Thickness: click next
Roughing Cut:
deselect Generate Roughing Pass click next
Finishing Tool:
Select End Mill as Type
Diameter:2.5 (roto zip)
Cutting length: < 25 mm
stepover: >2mm, <5mm
Stepover(% of tool): <80% (the smaller the % the finer the resolution, but the longer the machining opperation)
Spindle Speed: 300 (this speed is not controlled numerically by the mill, but you have to put something in to get to the next window)
Feed Rate: 50 mm/min
Plunge Rate: 40 mm/min
click next
Strategy:
Select Raster in X, and Raster in Y
Select Top of block as Machine Zero Position
Allowance: 0
Safe Z height: 5
Add Border: >2.5 (depending on operation)
click next
Calculate:
click Calculate - You may get an error message about the tool not being long enough without a roughing pass. You can go back and put in 50.8 mm for a rotozip bit, or you may need to make some alterations in the design. You may also need to generate a roughing pass, which will clear some material away before the finishing pass.
click simulate
if the part looks decent click next (you can adjust the viewing angle by clicking and draging with the mouse)
Save Paths:
Select G-Code(inch)(*.tap) from the pulldown menu
click save Finishing, (Combined if you have made a roughing path)
pick save in 3.5 floppy and give it an appropiate name (up to 8 characters, no spaces, no weird charactars)
you are done with the creation of a G Code file