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Using CAM Programs

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bdring edited this page Aug 22, 2019 · 4 revisions

Using CAM Programs to Generate GCode

Overview

You can use basic CAM programs to generate gcode for pen plotters. Here are some basic tips.

Pen Up / Pen Down

The range of the Z is Z0 to Z5. These are not precise measurements, they just represent the range of the servo. If you send something outside this range, the servo will only move in the 0 to 5 range. The firmware is still tracking the motion outside the range, so if you tell it to go from 0 to 10. The servo will move for the 0-5 portion and the machine will appear to be paused for the 5-10 portion. It is just finishing that move. Therefore, keep that in mind when the pen is above or below that range.

Setting the X,Y 0,0 location

In CAM programs, typically the 0,0 for the X & Y axes is located in the lower left corner. First jog to this point. Try not to over travel. If you do, you should re-home and try again. After jogging to this point, zero the X and Y axes via the WebUI jog panel. You can also send G10L20P0X0Y0 via the serial console.

Using Milling Machine Toolpaths

You should be using contour or profile type toolpaths. You want to have the "bit" on the path and not offset .

Depth of Cut

You want a minimum depth of cut. Add you want the tool to make the cut in one pass. I like to set the depth of cut to 0.5mm. You can set the depth per pass to the same amount or more, so it does it in one pass. If you go deeper, the pen may pause on the paper as the Z is virtually moving to that lower depth. This could cause bleeding of ink into the paper.

Spindle

Leave all spindle settings at any default value. They will be ignored.

Feed Rates

I like to use between 1000 and 2000 mm/min for the cut and plunge feed rates.

Retract Height

This is the height the pen goes to when moving above the paper. You should use 5mm.

Pen as Tool or Bit

If you can add a tool to the CAM program, that can help speed up the process. Since all cuts are on the line the diameter of the tool does not matter. If the CAM program generates previews, using an accurate pen tip diameter can make that preview look better.

Samples

There are some sample gcode and CAM files In this folder.

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