Can I edit a Sheetcam TAP or JOB file?

[AndrewMawson]

I have a job that I cut a few years back in 1.2 mm steel, that now I want to cut in 9 mm plate.

I have the SheetCAM JOB and TAP files but not the DXF from which they were created, can I edit the files ? I presume that it's a bit more than just slowing down the feed rate ?

All help appreciated.

[robertspark]

Yes you can edit them in any test file editor (notepad++)

Just slow the feedrate down if all your other things like thc macros are the same

[acourtjester]

This is another reason to have an understanding of G-code, so you know where to look for the things you need to change.
Some of these changes are dependent on the Post Processor you used, things like changes to your table electronics will come into play as you say a few years back. Things like feed rate which can change a few time for each cut operation, Arc voltage if you have a THC that is handled in the post processor, weather you have a floating head or Ohmic sensor. I can be done but may be easier to just make a new tap file.

[AndrewMawson]

Thanks for the replies, I solved the issue by editing all the feed setting commands (FXXX) that were not associated with Z moves, to a suitable rate for the 9 mm plate (660) and have cut a satisfactory part.

Examining the TAP file for the 1.2 mm version I was surprised to see that ALL F's not associated with a Z move were at 4500. I had expected acceleration and deceleration at corners etc and this was why I was asking the question. I was hoping that there was a way within Sheetcam to be able to re-define the cut parameters without the DXF file.

(I'm happy hand coding G code having been doing it for the last 25 years!)

[WyoGreen]

I would have thought that since you have the Sheetcam job file you could just open the Job file in Sheetcam and change the metal thickness, then run the post to create the new tap file.

Steve

[AndrewMawson]

Steve,

I've just tried that and yes you can !!!!!

Thanks

[motoguy]

You can also open the old job file in Sheetcam. Change cut offset to "none", get rid of all leadins and leadouts. Next, you can use the DXF post processor to output a DXF file of the cut path. You could open this DXF file in your drawing program, and change anything that needs changed based on material thickness (slots, tabs, etc).

[djreiswig]

That DXF post is pretty cool.

[acourtjester]

Thanks motoguy I am still learning (as always) I did not know of this, just tried and it work great. For those like me here is what he talks about very simple when you know Those guys at SheetCam are great too

DXF.JPG (52.91 KiB) Viewed 1892 times

DXF.JPG (52.91 KiB) Viewed 1892 times

[djreiswig]

I think SheetCam is only one guy. His name is Les, and yeah he is a great guy.