Output to files for the indexer?

[scottcox]

Hi Folks!

I wanted to share what I've been doing with my indexer files and ask for other ideas and feedback.

Here is a picture of a "bar element" that I just made on my indexer.


7564

I made this by outputting a FLAT 3d raster toolpath (rastering along X-axis) to a standard shopbot file for a 32 inch long/tall (x-axis) by 18.85 inch wide (y-axis). The 18.85 inch value is really my round blank diameter of 6 inches x pi . The standard file I got was mostly M3 commands. (M3,X,Y,Z)



I then imported that .sbp file into a database program (I used my Manifold GIS program) where I could do calculations on the columns. MS Excel does this but is limited to 65,000 lines.

I compulated 360 deg / 18.85 inch = 19.098 deg/inch. I then took the Y-column and converted it to values for the "B" column. Y times 19.098 = B

I then changed the M3 values in the command column to M5 values. Then I output a file with lines like M5,x,0,z,0,B where Y and A (A is unused) are set to zero and B replaces the Y. I also had to change J3 to J5 commands as well.

I then output to a .csv file, simply changed the extension to .sbp and voila, a shopbot file. Then I zeroed my Y over the indexer centerline and let her rip.

The conversion took about half an hour, but I did this because I didn't want to switch the Y and B connectors when I use my indexer.

What are you other guys and gals doing for indexer files? Any feedback on this process?

[joenagel]

I have been using the "indexer" virtual tool that comes with the sb3 control software. If you use the "wrap text from part wizard around blank" option you can achive the same results. It does not need to be text that you wrap around the cylinder, it will accept any .sbp file you have, including 3D tool paths generated in other tool pathing software and it does it in seconds.

[myxpykalix]

Geez scott listening to that explaination made my head ache! That sounds too complicated to me! I got by with simple math, sounds like geometry and calculus and other stuff mixed in.Maybe when i get around to setting mine up i'll just "make you an offer you can't refuse" to make a file for me...lol GREAT WORK!

[scottcox]

Joe: Thanks for the tip. I guess I underestimated the capabilities of the virtual tools. I'll check that out!

Jack: It was harder to explain than it was to just do it. :-)

[myxpykalix]

where did you get the files to create this? Did you make them yourself? was that aromatic cedar?

[scottcox]

The lizard is one of the Artcam examples. I just scaled it to fit my material size and changed the Y values (in inches)to match the B values (in degrees).

If you want to see what I did, take a small 3d file, something with less than 65,000 lines, and change the .sbp extension to .txt .

Open with MS Excel. The "Text Import Wizard" will open. Choose delimited and next. Unselect Tab, select comma and finish. You'll have a spreadsheet with your command (M3), x,y and z values in seperate columns. In the F column, type =+$C1*W (where W = 360 degrees / (blank diameter * pi)). You'll get your B value for that line. Copy that equation all the way down the f column (which is your b value). Now copy that entire column and "paste special" / values into a new column (new B values). Replace the c column (Y values) with all 0s (zeros) and replace the f column (equation) with your new B values. Select the a column (your command values). Do a find and replace for the M3 to M5 values (column a). You also have to do this for J3 to J5 values.

You'll want to check carefully for other command values like J2 and JZ and manually edit them accordingly.

Then save as .csv (comma seperated values). Change the .csv file extension to .sbp and you're ready to go.

I think.

Or you could use Joe's suggestion of using the Virtual Tools. That sounds much easier. Why didn't I think of that? Doh!

It's "eastern red cedar" or so I'm told.

[joenagel]

Scott,

I have also used the technique you describe to do flutes on a shape that I turn on the indexer. I use a shape created in Part wizard and the indexer virtual tool to turn the profile, then use the same shape for the fluting, except I do like you describe and shift the Y axis to the Z column in Excel, use a formula to change the amounts by the amount I want to cut into the turning and change my m3's to m5's etc. It works great! (it also sounds harder than it really is.)

Joe

[patricktoomey]

If you have ArtCam, there are also X-parallel and Y-parallel posts for the ShopBot that will automatically do the wrap for you. I've had great results using that. I don't think they come with ArtCam but I'm not sure, I got them from someone at ShopBot. I wrote a post processor for ArtCam that does the same thing for output to Mach3.

[patricktoomey]

Scott,

I forgot to say in my last post, congrats, the lizard looks cool! I've been doing some wrapped 3D on columns lately and it is a big money maker for me. It's very unusual and if you go after the right clientele you can have a gold mine there.

Keep up the good work!