software for PCB-milling toolpathes

So my RepMan is currently printing the first version of a
RepMan toolhead for a Dremel flex-shaft.

I know that Skeinforge can create g-code for milling given an stl-file.

What I am looking for is the software needed to create gcode tool-pathes
for milling PCBs given an eagle file or a bitmap.

Preferably of cause using voronoi to minimize the milling but I would
go for something simpler that just works for the moment.

---

-------------------------------------------
* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+

Hi Marcus,

Eagle has DXF-export ("mill-outlines.ulp") in the ulp-folder. I'm mostly using Target for direct CNC-export.

I should have on my mill-PC at home some programs and links for DXF->G-Code-converting ...

For converting bitmaps to DXF or other NC-formats i can give you some download-links later today (when at home again) - there are some other programs/converters too we're using in the "CNC-Ecke".

What software or CAD/CAM have you running?

Viktor

Never mind.
I found Visolate to generate g-code forthe voronoi-outlines given gerber-files
that eagle can supposedly export.

[www.mit.edu]

>What software or CAD/CAM have you running?

As I said. I´m using a RepMan 3D-printer and am printing an alternative tool-head to mount a Dremel instead of the extruder.
It gets an SD-card with the g-codes and will happily run that
path.
There is no PC software running while it works.

---

-------------------------------------------
* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+

Hi Marcus,

are you interested in free or cheap CAD/CAM and CNC-software?

Maybe i can support you with some programs or links ...

Viktor

I could use some better tool then blender to design objects to exact meassurements
and some way of simulating g-code before execution would be nice too.

---

-------------------------------------------
* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+

... i'll look if i find something in the freeware-section, my packages are all comercial and/or 1-user-licenses

For a good 3D-CAD you can download Caligaris Truespace 7.6 for free - ist'a a powerfull software with a lot of import/export-filters and you can download tutorial-videos and sites too

Viktor

I know Truespace and it´s not a CAD-program but just another modeller too.
Easier to use then blender but I would need to reboot all the time as
skeinforge runs on Linux.

---

-------------------------------------------
* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+

... skeinforge runs with windows too - i have it running with XP SP2 and Vista Home.

And for CAD ... OK, you define something that can make construction drawings ...

My personal definition is a "package for exact 3D-construction" - my favorite construction-package for nano-, micro- and macro-mechanical parts is Lightwave, followed by 3DSMax for animated sequences for presentations

The last years i designed, constructed and built some microsystems and all other stuff for job, exhibitions/fairs or hobby with this two programs, IsyCAD/PicturesbyPC (my CNC-package) and some other graphic tools.

But i remember some talks about free Autocad-clones in our CNC-forum, so i'll search the infos ...

Viktor

... here is a link (in German) with some freeware CAD-programs and other related tools ...

Viktor

Hi Marcus,

take a look at http://www.pcbgcode.org/

Michael

Thanks but I´ve already adapted visolate for my RepMan.
[sourceforge.net]
Version 2.1.4 workes find using a pen an hour ago on my RepMan
and tomorrow I´ll probably add the option to set the head-speed
and then have it run on a real PCB.

Does pcb-gcode do voronoi or just mill what would otherwise be etched
like all the others?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/01/2010 01:15PM by MarcusWolschon.

---

-------------------------------------------
* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+