RhinoCam + ShopBot

[DanThomson]

I know there is a specific RhinoCam section of the message board, but by the looks of it it doesn't get much attention, so I though I would have better luck here.

I am experimenting with using RhinoCam, and while im perfectly happy with PartWorks for all my 2D cutting, I find that PartWorks 3D is pretty limiting.

Mecsoft has a shopbot as well as shopbotgcode post processor but neither seem to output .sbp files.
When running .nc files there appears to be no spindle on or off command.

Does anyone on here use RhinoCam?
If so could you please share your process and what post processor you are using.
Thanks!

[Kiwiken]

Dan

I use Rhinocam just about every day and for all my 3d work. It is on my work computer so can't check exact settings tonight. I use the shopbot post not the gcode post but remember having to change the file extension in the settings so it would post a file with .sbp. Its there just can't remember where. I will look tomorrow when I am at work. I also had to edit the post processer and added c6 to start the spindle and c7 to stop. I also added a jog home at the end. If you want call me at work 8six4231958six tomorrow and I will run through my settings with you.

Ken

[Kiwiken]

Dan

Under tool change in the processor editor i have

First load tool macro

JS,[FEEDRATE],[ZFEEDRATE]
&Tool = [TOOL_NUM]
c6

then under that
Tool change Macro

I have

&Tool = [TOOL_NUM]


Under feed rate tab

feed rate code is MS

Block format is

[FEEDRATE_CODE],[FEEDRATE],[ZFEEDRATE]

Ken

[wowhuh.mike]

I use visualmill (the standalone version of rhinocam), though Brady has got me using partworks for my 2d stuff. Once you figure out how to edit your post processor you can tweak it to suit your needs. I wish I would have gotten rhinocam, because VM is very clumsy to draw in so I am constantly going back to Rhino. I like it for 3D but partworks seems more efficient on 2d. I've got really used to understanding my toolpath by looking at the path alone (I never use simulation anymore). I get frustrated with partworks that there is no front view to allow me to mouse over and verify my z heights. I like looking at my toolpaths in something similar to what I modeled the parts in. Nice to be able to open native .3dm files. I always worry something will get weird when exporting as dxf. Just some thoughts

Mike

[DanThomson]

Thanks guys for the info, especially Ken for taking the time to go through your settings with me over the phone.

Unfortunately I haven't had much time to continue my experimenting but I will post my results when I get some free time.

[DanThomson]

So after some more tweaking/experimenting I am able to successfully post toolpaths to the bot, however I am still unable to have the RhinoCam toolpath control the spindle.

After reviewing the file, I can see that RhinoCam is not inserting the RPM or necessary C6 commands in order to turn on the spindle.
I was able to go in and manually insert the RPM and C6 commands and successfully run a file, but I would like to figure out how to have RhinoCam insert the necessary spindle commands automatically.

Here Are the first few lines of the file I am experimenting with:
SA
'2 1/2 Axis Pocketing
JS,3.5,1.7
&Tool = 1
TR,[spindle_sbd]
JZ,0.1250
J2,3.0087,3.0360

[Kiwiken]

Dan

When I get to work I will take a photo of each screen and see if I can post those here. That will allow you to check each setting in your post processor. Looks like you are still missing some things..

Ken

[adrianm]

I get frustrated with partworks that there is no front view to allow me to mouse over and verify my z heights.

Mike
You can click the X view in the 3D window with the toolpaths selected and you can see the toolpaths and moves above and through the material.

The toolpath summary shows how far each toolpath cuts in the Z and what the current safe Z is set to.

Plus, if you do a preview, you can mouse over any part of the work and get a readout of the Z depth on the bottom status bar.

[Kiwiken]

http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/rhinosettings1.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/Rhinosettings2.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/Rhinosettings3.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/Rhinosettings4.jpg

[Kiwiken]

http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/Rhinosettings5.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/Rhinosettings6.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/RhinoSettings7.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/RhinoSettings8.jpg

[Kiwiken]

http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/RhinoSettings9.jpg
http://www.patticakeposh.com/images/RhinoSettings10.jpg



Dan



SA
'2 1/2 Axis Pocketing
JS,3.5,1.7
&Tool = 1
TR,[spindle_sbd] <---------------------looks to me that sbd should be spd
JZ,0.1250
J2,3.0087,3.0360


This should get you going.

I dont have to add anything to the code to make it work. Havent tried it with bit changes. I have always posted them as a seperate file. for me it is easier that way.


Ken

[DanThomson]

Well, after a long hiatus (moving my whole shop) I am finally revisiting getting the shopbot to run files generated in RhinoCam.

However, I am still running into the same problem of the spindle not being turned on at the beginning of the file.

Ken,
I believe I have all my settings matched to the ones we discussed on the phone and from the screenshots you posted. Would you be willing to email me a copy of your post?(.spm file)

Also, although I know I was able to do this before the move, I now cannot figure out how to have RhinoCam output(save) a .sbp file, it seems my options are only .txt

[DanThomson]

Problem Solved!

I just want to thank Ken Davy for helping me with this, he was kind enough to send me his post processor and now everything is working as it should.