Features for QCAD CAM Version

[RainerP]

Hello,

i am using QCad since more that two years.
For creating the files for the CNC-Machine i use Filou NC.

Now i have taked a look on QCAD/CAM an i have some questions.

1.
Is it possible to create a own PostProzessor?
For my CNC-Machine with WinPCNC as controll system i would create similar CNC-Files until now.
For example the beginn of the CNC-File:

(Programmanfang)
%1 (MAGNETHALTER 5 X 5)
(NC-Datei:C:\....\Magnethalter 5x5 2er Fraeser.cnc)
(NC-Datei-Datum:14.02.2023 15:20:50)
N0005 G71
(Werkzeug Diamantfräser 2mm)
N0010 G0 Z10
N0015 M8
N0020 T M6
N0025 S12 F400 M3

Also i was able to add comments and special programm ends.
(Programmende)
N0365 M5 M9
N0370 G0 Z10
N0375 M30

Also a free numbering of the set numbering and the interval should be nice!


2.
A importand functionality is to expand corners.
Is there a functionality to expand the corners in the CAM module or with a script in QCAD?
As example i have a rectangele and i have to remove the cutter radius at the corners.

Ecken erweitern.png (6.95 KiB) Viewed 9290 times

e.g. If i am using an 2mm cutter, i expand the edges with 2.1mm

3.
Often i need the functionality "Corcle Pocket Milling" and "Contour Pocket Milling".
Is this functionality is planned in the future?

4. In filou i define the function contour milling, then i can select maunal one contour after the other to generate the milling path.
So i am able to make first the holes and then the outer contour. Debending on the site of the contour i click he generate the tool path.
Inner or outer contour.

Inner contour:

Innenkontur.png (9.55 KiB) Viewed 9290 times

Outer Contour:

Aussenkontur.png (9.28 KiB) Viewed 9290 times

Sorry that i have so many questions.

Thank you and BR
Rainer

[andrew]

Is it possible to create a own PostProzessor?

Yes. Here's a starting point:
https://qcad.org/en/qcad-cam-postprocessor

There's a complete example "MyGCode" and at the bottom an example of how you can change the header / footer.
You can set this.lineNumber and this.lineNumberIncrement to adjust numbering.

A importand functionality is to expand corners.
Is there a functionality to expand the corners in the CAM module or with a script in QCAD?

No. A feature request exists at:
https://www.qcad.org/bugtracker/index.p ... sk_id=2307

Often i need the functionality "Corcle Pocket Milling" and "Contour Pocket Milling".
Is this functionality is planned in the future?

Not in the near future due to lack of resources / other projects.

4. In filou i define the function contour milling, then i can select maunal one contour after the other to generate the milling path.

With QCAD/CAM, toolpaths can be created in the right order or reordered anytime in the toolpath list.

[RainerP]

Hello Andrew,

Thank you for the quick respond!

BR Rainer

[CVH]

A importand functionality is to expand corners.

If you draw an overcut then it will be milled as such.

But I have problems with understanding:

e.g. If i am using an 2mm cutter, i expand the edges with 2.1mm

For a cutter with a diameter of 2mm in a 90 degree corner one requires an arc that is offset by 0.292893 in both X & Y.
Or offset by 0.414214 in the 45 degree direction.
Minus 5% would be hammer tight for wooden pieces, plus 10% would add some extra clearance in the corner.

Regards,
CVH