There's a member of the forums there who has created a custom macro that runs inside AutoCAD. It exports a cad profile to Gcode. He has it posted there for free download, just look under the AutoCAD section of the forums.
The old saying "You get what you pay for" will truely be fact with CAM software. Our tool room engineer/manager chose a CAM package that was much ceaper than one of the industry standard. It takes our programmer 10 to 20 times longer to create a program. We proved this by using both our cheap program and MasterCAM on the same part. The result 4 days with the cheap application compared to 14.7 seconds with MasterCAM. Needless to say we will be changing our CAM software. Check with your CNC equipment vendor to see if they have a CAM package to work with. Try several trial versions and make an educated decision. If you have lots of extra time to waste, enjoy frustration and disappointments on a regular basis and production costs are of no concern, then by all means go as cheap as you can.
I used Autocad a long time ago. In order to achieve special effects I translated the DXF file to g-code and add whatever I needed. The computer used then was replaced but I kept a copy of the source somewhere. If I find it you may have it for free.
About changing over, If you are experienced and comfortable with AutoCad you must stick to it. (never scratch were it do not itch!) If you are limited by AutoCad you must consider changing over. MasterCam is really excellent, I believe Solidworks are also good, and possibly some other programs as well. The final decision will however depend on your requirements and affordability.
I note that you are working in 2D. Is this because of AutoCad or your CNC machine?
What type of machine are you using?
What version of AutoCad?
Can the CNC execute arcs?
What do you do for Z movement?
__________________
Never do today what you can put of until tomorrow - Student motto
CAD to Gcode
Re: CAD to Gcode
