Planet cnc software - layers

[ravihotwok]

Just wondering if I create a dxf with say 3 layers, is there a way within the planet software to change the cut depths? for example if I am doing some text and the a border outline, I want the text to be .5mm deep but the outline to be 3mm deep so it cuts it out?

Any help would be great

Cheers

[johnsattuk]

I use Planet software and do similar things, I use 'Estlcam' to generate the code because it is very easy to use and you can set your DOC for each part very easily

[ravihotwok]

thanks for the reply John mate.

what is DOC?

and how much is the software?

[Leadhead]

I am also Planet CNC and Estlcam. The Estlcam software is only about £50 and the originator Christian is very helpful. There are several Tube tutorial video`s.
The DOC "depth of cut" is set in the Estlcam programme. The tool table sets your speeds and stepovers etc. for each of your tools and each layer can be separately programmed. It conveniently includes a post processor for Planet CNC as well. Very much recommend the software, most intuitive and easy to get started. Do not need to do 3 days of revision before you use it, like some of the high end software.

[ravihotwok]

thats sounds very interesting, so I would not need to use my planet software at all? would the new software be able to work with my planet cnc controller box?

[johnsattuk]

Estlcam is a program which will produce a gcode file from your DXF file.

The planet software is used to drive your controller using the gcode file.

The planet software includes odd bits of importing etc but not so versatile and easy to use.

[ravihotwok]

thanks very much for your simple reply, I understand that mate cheers. What are your thoughts on fusion 360?

[johnsattuk]

I do not do enough to learn a new program like fusion 360. Autocad and Estlcam do all I want.

I did have a quick look at Fusion360, no doubt a very good program if you have the need or inclination of which I have neither.

[ravihotwok]

cheers john.

Will download estlcam and report back mate :-)

[johnsattuk]

If you go to his web page he has some very good video's

[ravihotwok]

Christ that is one helpful chap and the software does everything i think I will ever need in regards to engraving.

I had a proper play with the machine last night, actually managed to make the motors move a lot quickly by changing the speed parameters.

I have a lot of other parameters which im not sure whats the bst setting for such as acceleration, deceleration (both in the motion and motor section)

I have set the blend option to .01mm as it was "juddering" when doing curve's when I set it to 0 but was not doing 90 degree points when it was set to 1.5mm

Estlecam vids have helped me shed loads so far tbf, going to watch the vids again tonight, but just need these parameters and any other which may be relevant explaining in layman's terms.

Learning loads each day now

[m_c]

Fusion360 is a very capable program, however if you're only planning on doing engraving, it would be very much overkill. It's best suited to 3D modelling, or where you want to create tool paths/G-code from 3D models.

I've only ever had a quick play with Estlcam. I found it pretty easy to use, but that comes with the sacrifice of it being a bit limited in what it can do. But all these programs are trying their best to compromise between simplicity, and capability. The more capable they are, the less simple they become, so that's not necessarily a bad thing.


The rounded corners is down to controller settings. In standard mode (G64 constant velocity mode), what the controller (well the trajectory planner within the controller to be exact) attempts to do is maintain the requested feedrate, but obviously it has to allow for acceleration/deceleration of the axis. When it approaches a sharp corner, it has to start decelerating one axis into the corner, while starting to accelerate the other axis out of the corner, which leads to move blending/corner rounding.
There are normally various settings to control how corners are handled. The blend option I'm guessing controls how much the machine can deviate from the toolpath/g-code. By reducing it to zero, what you're essentially doing is telling the controller you don't want any deviation from the requested toolpath, so to keep on the toolpath, the machine has to start/stop between each segment (some CAM and controllers will split arcs into small straight sections), which is what causes your 'juddering' on arcs.
Some controllers also have a Break angle setting, which sets the corner angle above which an exact stop should happen to ensure a sharp corner I.e if it's set to 89 degrees, an 88 degree corner would be rounded, whereas as 90 degree corners shouldn't.

There may also be an option to enable exact stop mode (G61). What that does is force the controller to not round/smooth/blend any move. It'll accelerate/decelerate on every move. It gives you the option of forcing the controller to create a sharp corner where needed, and then disabling it to smooth other corners to maximise feedrate.

[ravihotwok]

I see, slowly getting more knowledge on this, do you think my motion speed is a tad slow as ive set it to 400?

I got the motors up to 2500 but they were making some mad noises and defo didnt like it.

Also in the estlecam software i cant set the z exis depth to a - value. I have it set up so that if I want to engrave 4mm deep the cutting depth is -4mm but it seems to only like positive values?

[johnsattuk]

The depth is what it says it is, itworks from the start level, which is usually the top face of the workpiece. When it generates the Gcode you will see negative no's. Be careful if setting depth with a start level value as it drives the Z axis the sum of the two

[ravihotwok]

i see,

im going toi purchase the license late

just doing another tag with some new setting just with the cad - dxf - planet method.

believe it or not I found the estlecam a bit tricky when I just had a quick go, kept selecting things multiple time lol

Once ive got a few mins this evening I shall post up some pics and if you dont mind please talk me through it if thats ok chaps :-)

[johnsattuk]

believe it or not I found the estlecam a bit tricky when I just had a quick go, kept selecting things multiple time lol

Once you have selected an operation ie: 'a part' it will keep selecting every time you click, I usually go to 'select' in between operations.

I think you would find most other programs more tricky than Estlcam, it does have it's own little quirks but so do most others

[ravihotwok]

i see, I have a lot of text, but i have had to explode it in autocad due to the font so there is shed loads of items to select :-(

[m_c]

I see, slowly getting more knowledge on this, do you think my motion speed is a tad slow as ive set it to 400?


That brings you on to the next area you'll need to learn about, speeds and feeds.
Every cutter will have recommended ranges for feed per tooth, and surface cutting speed.

From those figures, you can calculate the recommended feedrate and spindle speed, however the recommended feedrate will either be limited by either your machines feedrate, or spindle speed, so a compromise has to be reached. Tooth loading is ultimately king, as too low and the cutter will rub and wear out far quicker. Too high, and the cutter will likely snap.
The recommended feeds/speeds, are just that, recommended. They are a starting point. As you gain experience you'll learn what works, or doesn't work with your setup.

[ravihotwok]

thanks m_c, currently ive just been using the spindle on full speed and adjusting the feed rate to just under a speed when it doesnt distort

Yep I know, how crap am i.

When you specify the feed rate, is this the speed when it is cutting? not the speed of which it moves from tool path to tool path?

[m_c]

thanks m_c, currently ive just been using the spindle on full speed and adjusting the feed rate to just under a speed when it doesnt distort

Yep I know, how crap am i.

When you specify the feed rate, is this the speed when it is cutting? not the speed of which it moves from tool path to tool path?

Everybody has been there. I don't think anybody will deny to begin with it can be overwhelming, but you've just got to take it one step at a time. You've at least made it to the point where you can machine things, so it's just a case of gradually learning more about each part of that process.

You have two key modes in terms of feedrate.
G0, which is move at rapid speed, aka as fast as the machine can move.
Then G1, G2, and G3, which is move at the set feedrate, or as fast the machine can move given the requested moves. G1 is a linear move, whereas G2/3 are arc moves. There are more G-codes that use the set feedrate, but I very much doubt you'll use them for engraving.

[ravihotwok]

Cheers for the advise and making me feel a bit better knowing others have gone through the same lol. Well tonight im going to start taking apart the cnc machine wiring (plugs n stuff) and the enclosure I made, as now I know how it operates I want to create a better enclosure with a good extraction system, as im hoping to be doing some proper machining at some point very soon.

I am also thinking about buying some ball screw bellow thingies which help to protect them against abrasive dust. A few things should be arriving in the next few days for the new enclosure, I am also installing disco light for no other reason than shits and giggles. Why not? lol

[Leadhead]

Must be a hell of an enclosure if you are going to dance in it ??

[ravihotwok]

lol 600 x 600 x 600.

not enough room for me but the machine is going to have a proper good time, might even pop a speaker in there