Toolpath order

[kamen]

Hi Everybody

My question is how can I set toolpath cutting order in Part Wizard 2.

Here is the case:
I work with many similar objects imported from AutoCad. When I calculate toolpath, the cutting order is random.
I try to draw the objects in particular order in AutoCad but this doesn't help.

When I use Block Copy comand in Part Wizard the toolpath is more correct but it's not convenient when the objects are different.

So if some body have decision, it will be very helpful.

Many thanks to Brady Watson, Gerald D, Mike John and Mike Richards. You guys really help me.

[Brady Watson]

Kamen,
PW is pretty limited in the control that you have on toolpath order...However, depending on just how many parts you have laid out on a sheet, it is sometimes easiest to toolpath each part sequentially (individual toolpaths) and then just save all of them in sequential order. This guarantees that it will cut in the order that you want.

If you are cutting the same geometry parts in a block/copy fashion, you can just toolpath one part, then use the 2D offset feature in the control software to sequentially order them in a logical fashion.

-Brady

[gerald_d]

Kamen, if you are willing to draw the toolpath in the correct order with AutoCad, then you can use the ShopBot's dxf converter - this will keep exactly the same order.

But the problem is not only the order, it is also the direction...... If you draw a square in AutoCad: bottom line right to left, top line right to left, left side going up, right side going up then the ShopBot converter gives the same order and direction.

We use Vector (http://www.vectorcadcam.com/) to convert our dxf files to ShopBot code. (It is much cheaper to buy the purely "English" version of Vector (http://www.vectorcam.com/) from the US supplier)

[gerald_d]

If you are working in 2D with AutoCad 2002 (or later) you can use this guy's free macro (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=81769&postcount=52) to write g-code directly inside AutoCad. Then you could use ShopBot's G-Code converter. I bet that he would help you to modify the macro to produce basic SB code directly.....

The link above is from this discussion thread (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8226&page=1&pp=10)