No path rules in sheetcam.

[ScottLister]

I have a wright cnc plasma table with sheetcam and mach3. I hear everybody talking about using path rules for certain cutting operations. Well I have checked and my version must be an early version because I do not have that option. What version did path rules become available? I really want to upgrade so I can take advantage of them.


Thanks
Scott

[djreiswig]

Not sure what version you have or when path rules started, but the latest greatest is called TNG.

[ScottLister]

does tng still use a parallel connection?

[djreiswig]

SheetCam doesn't use a connection. That would be your machine control software. SheetCam makes the gcode. As far as I know, if you have a post processor that currently works you should be able to use the same one with TNG.

[ScottLister]

Thats right. Don't know what I was thinking...Brain fart

[djreiswig]

[Tinny Worx]

Bringing back an old one, but just watched a JD2 video where he had path rules with it.

On circles smaller than 1.25 in set feedrate to 60%
On shapes smaller than 1" set feedrate to 60%
On arcs smaller than .0625 in set feed rate to 60%
0 in before the arc to 0 in after the arc

It looked like there post processor also set up the Gcode with variable names in it so that the machine controller can add those to the program at the machine. Is there a way to add path rules in sheet cam now, or is this some custom files/ options JD2 has developed to work with Sheetcam?

[acourtjester]

the path rules are added to the G-code when you develop it, if you SheetCam is licensed and hooked to the internet it will update automatically when you start it up (anytime). like this today, but it failed, normally not a problem I like using the Developed version more shown options
attached is where the path rules are created.

update.jpg (34.28 KiB) Viewed 1584 times

update.jpg (34.28 KiB) Viewed 1584 times

[acourtjester]

Rebooted the PC update installed fine

[Tinny Worx]

Thanks so much! I did download the older version, but it's paid so I will update and install that section.

Thanks
Tim

[nick7251]

the path rules are added to the G-code when you develop it, if you SheetCam is licensed and hooked to the internet it will update automatically when you start it up (anytime). like this today, but it failed, normally not a problem I like using the Developed version more shown options
attached is where the path rules are created.
update.jpg
path1.jpg

Why does rule say to turn the THC on while doing the slower motion and turning the THC off when speeding back up? Is your THC pin inverted so this was just to force it to work opposite of what the rule says? I've not done much with rules so mainly just trying to understand. You have always been such a wealth of knowledge for me. Thank you.

[acourtjester]

Ok I think that example I showed was wrong with that statement, I personally do not use cut rules with Mach 3 as I found it cause a dimple each time changes were made. I know many here use them and are happy, they could be using different software. I have not tried them since changing to UCCNC electronics and software.

[nick7251]

Ok I think that example I showed was wrong with that statement, I personally do not use cut rules with Mach 3 as I found it cause a dimple each time changes were made. I know many here use them and are happy, they could be using different software. I have not tried them since changing to UCCNC electronics and software.

Ah okay. Thanks. I don't use path rules with Mach either anymore. Just seemed to create small problems in the cut path.

[Tinny Worx]

I added some cutting rules, but as I'm waiting on my table I haven't tested them out yet. I ordered a Langmuir Pro and will cut with a Hypertherm 45XP, since the Langmuir code already cuts off the THC when less than 80% max cutting speed I didn't have to do the code snipets to make it work.

I can see in Sheetcam where the plasma will cut full speed until the small feature and slow down for it and then go back to full speed cutting. I really hope this works as I think it will make my programming faster and easier with not having to modify cutting speed for small holes or features as it will all be automatic. Part of this is I'm hoping to push the limits of plasma style cutting and make some simple tools with it and want a decent fit as well as reduced taper that I can get with slowing down for the important features of the part.