.igs to G code

[bobberserker]

How do I do this with mastercam x4? Can I do it with mastercam x6? I have read up on it and have found no definitive answer.

[uncle_dolan]

You mean without programming it???

[bobberserker]

You mean without programming it???

I'm not sure. I just have 3d igs models and I need to make them into g code. I'm very sorry I am VERY new to this

[uncle_dolan]

Have you used mastercam before? Are you familiar with creating toolpaths?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Your BEST bet is to get in touch with your reseller and schedule training.

[uncle_dolan]

What sort of part is it? If you can share the igs file perhaps you may be able to get a little more help from here

[bobberserker]

Have you used mastercam before? Are you familiar with creating toolpaths?

no

Your BEST bet is to get in touch with your reseller and schedule training.

indeed

I am helping my cousin out, i found some igs 3d models that he needs made, and his cnc runs on g-code. perhaps he knows more than i do but is it possible for mastercam to take igs files and output g-code? thanks

[bobberserker]

What sort of part is it? If you can share the igs file perhaps you may be able to get a little more help from here

It is a firearm reciever

[uncle_dolan]

is it possible for mastercam to take igs files and output g-code?

 

yes it is, but it involves a bit of work from the operator, you need to create toolpaths, and assign tools etc...not as simple as pressing a button and you have gcode though.

[bobberserker]

yes it is, but it involves a bit of work from the operator, you need to create toolpaths, and assign tools etc...not as simple as pressing a button and you have gcode though.

OK, his cnc is old, and i'm pretty sure that after you create toolpaths and assign tools, all you would have to do is put that on a floppy drive and into the machine and it would run the correct toolpaths correct?

[Mr. M]

Yes, mastercam will give you G-code from an iges file. There are a few inbetween steps though to get it. You have to select the tools, geometry, toolpath type, etc. to tell it what to do

[uncle_dolan]

you need a post processor to convert toolpaths to gcode

[bobberserker]

you need a post processor to convert toolpaths to gcode

does mastercam x4 have this? I do have acces to x6 if necessary. thanks guys

[Chris Rizzo]

ok let's cut to the chase:

 

To take someone who has no experience with cad/cam software from .iges to some sort of runable g-code is about a 2 month learning curve. That's approx 10hrs class time and studying per week, and that's with very rudimentary skills at best. If things get complicated, which they do fast, expect a 4-6 month learning curve and a whole pile of scrap parts in the process.

 

no offense, but that's what's required to generate g-code from an internet downloaded iges. And that's why competent programmers start at 20$ hr. Private contractors, 60-120$

[Millertime]

ok let's cut to the chase:

 

To take someone who has no experience with cad/cam software from .iges to some sort of runable g-code is about a 2 month learning curve. That's approx 10hrs class time and studying per week, and that's with very rudimentary skills at best. If things get complicated, which they do fast, expect a 4-6 month learning curve and a whole pile of scrap parts in the process.

 

no offense, but that's what's required to generate g-code from an internet downloaded iges. And that's why competent programmers start at 20$ hr. Private contractors, 60-120$

 

+1

[Millertime]

Hey you know what I just found somthin on ebay.Its and IGES gcode translater box.Hooks right up to a cnc. Pretty much press play and walk away....

[Craig-B]

All we make is here is firearms, and the task of making the receiver is the hardest. It don’t matter if you are in X4 or X6 or any CAD/CAM system, the task is basically the same and you need some seat time making parts on a CAD/CAM and knowledge machining and setup.

[#Rekd™]

I would suggest that if you do not know if you have a post or not you should not even attempt to machine anything.

 

As mentioned above contact your reseller (mastercam dealer) and they will help you.

[TK-32™]

Well said Chris.

[Illuminator]

Hmmmmmm ... I'm working on a few 777 parts I wish would "auto" fixture and code theirselves!!! My days would be gravy.

[robk]

Here is the solution...

[GoetzInd]

Haha that should do it Rob. I bet one of those would last about 1 day on my desk before it got smashed.

 

Mike

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I keep an Easy Button in my desk. We used to have this salesman that woudl always tell customers, sure, we can do anything, no problem. Everything he said was true, but it was usually time-consuming so when he'd have one of those projects, we'd be sitting down at my desk and I'd pull out my Easy Button and tell him to push the button. Voila. He was not amused and I was rollin'. He eventually caught on and started talking with me earlier in the process.

[robk]

^LOL^

 

My easy button is always readily accesible

 

[Rotary Ninja]

How do I do this with mastercam x4? Can I do it with mastercam x6? I have read up on it and have found no definitive answer.

 

I think everyone has missed the obvious question... Have you ever machined anything? It's not just knowing how to use Mastercam. You also have to have an understanding of how to machine a part. I've been at it for over 15 years and it's still no cakewalk some days.

 

I will add that if you have an understanding of how to machine the part learning Mastercam is still going to take some time to figure out.

 

Good luck!