General question on autocad in designing 3D models.

[liftmys10]

I have experience for 9 years working on AutoCAD Civil 3D, but now I want to implement that knowledge in creating models. I would like some general idea on what software people are using when they create a for example CAT D11 on CAD. Once they create that on CAD, how does one start building the pieces? Do you simply send the CAD file to a CNC machine and next thing you know you have that piece made? Any general step by step procedures would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Izzy]

Yes correCT - your dxf step or sat output can be uploaded into the machine shops cad/cam software packages.

[liftmys10]

Originally Posted by Izzy

Yes correCT - your dxf step or sat output can be uploaded into the machine shops cad/cam software packages.

Thanks IIzzy
I'm assuming there has to be limitations on what you can upload into the machine and expect to get it machined right?

[JohnStilwell]

You need CAM software, it's what you need to do the CNC, it converts your model into G code for CNC. Try googling Mach3, it's still free I think. You can dxf into Mach3 but are limited to using polylines in your cad model, it is a very basic CAM program, so it does have other limits too. There are other CAM packages out there, RhinoCad and RhinoCam are two different monsters, Rhinocam, DXF friendly, is pricy but very nice software, either of these programs would be easy to use with your cad skills, (myself 19 years AutoCAD Civil, 4 Microstation).

John

[liftmys10]

Originally Posted by JohnStilwell

You need CAM software, it's what you need to do the CNC, it converts your model into G code for CNC. Try googling Mach3, it's still free I think. You can dxf into Mach3 but are limited to using polylines in your cad model, it is a very basic CAM program, so it does have other limits too. There are other CAM packages out there, RhinoCad and RhinoCam are two different monsters, Rhinocam, DXF friendly, is pricy but very nice software, either of these programs would be easy to use with your cad skills, (myself 19 years AutoCAD Civil, 4 Microstation).

John

Thanks John!!!