marc wiese wrote:

From: Elon Ormsby 

Someone mentioned that DWG (or was that DXF) files were needed for NC work.
Another response indicated that NC controls were so non-standardized that
there wasn't any one file type that works best.


The bottom line is that just about every machine shop has a CAM program. All
you need is a drawing (with dimensions) of your panel. It doesn't make any
difference if you do it in *pencil*, AutoCad, Solid Works, ProE, CATIA,
Esprit, you name it.


No matter what input you give the shop they will all import the file into
their CAM program. And then program their NC machine from within their CAM
program (SurfCam, Master Cam, Camsoft, GibbsCam, etc). CAM allows you to
select tools, preset lengths, turn on/off functions, etc. Even identical
machines in different Companies will have a different NC program generated
because each machinist approaches the job differently, uses different tool
lengths, different cutting speeds, and holding/clamping devises, etc.


Your panel is so simple I doubt there would be little difference in cost
between a pencil dwg being programmed into CAM (or manually input into the
NC machine) or a CAD dwg imported into a CAM program and then tweaked for
your job. Labor costs will be about the same.


I suggest that you take a dwg to three shops and get a quote. In the Bay
area, shop time runs from $60-$120/hr for std NC machines. My guess is that
set-up, programming and running would be 3-4 hrs. So cost could be $200-$450
plus about $50 for materials. I have names and numbers at work so I will
give four good sources tomorrow. There is a sheet Metal shop near you that
has a laser cutter and he is very reasonable. He is down the street from
Francisco's Restaurant, near the airport.


It has always bothered me that CAM is the last half of the CAD/CAM acronym.
CAM came first, long before CAD! Before an argument starts, NC (i.e. CAM)
was invented in 1947 by John Parsons. In 1951 a Bridgeport mill was hooked
to the ENIAC and CAM was on its way. CAD appeared long after Fortran and
APT. Sorry about the digression.


-Elon
Louis Mischeaux Hub Associates (NC laser cutter) 8139 Capwell Dr. Oakland,
CA 94621 510/633-2000


Paul Heston Heston Precision (4 axis NC) 2127 Research Drive Livermore CA
94550 925/606-7242


Glenn Carson Carson R & D (4 axis NC) 2798 Aiello San Jose CA 95111
408/226-0971


Todd Selsky Directed Light,Inc (Laser Job Shop) 633 River Oaks Pkwy San Jose
CA 95134 408/321-8500


Paul Taylor Jet Stream Water Jet Cutting (Water Jet Cutter) 26545 Corporate
Ave Hayward CA 94545 510/786-0800

 
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