KSA FAB LAB > CNC Routers

PRODUCING A TEMPLATE CUT FILE

Template cut files are produced using the ShopBot software's built-in file conversion utility.

Prerequisites

Before loading the ShopBot software, you should have a DXF file with all of the lines you wish to cut laid out correctly in space. This includes deleting all lines you do not want cut - it is not enough to turn the layer off. Additionally, all lines should fit within a rectangle stretching from the origin to 8' in X and 4' in Y - any line that extends beyond this volume will risk running the ShopBot off the table. Lines that should be cut to different depths should be different colors, as in the example at right (the red outer line would be one depth, followed by an inner line at another depth, with interior of the figure excavated to a third depth).

The DXF file should be saved as a Release 12 version DXF for maximum usability; more recent versions can introduce distortions in the cut. In all cases, however, you are recommended to examine the resulting preview screens very closely.

Converting the File

When you have produced the DXF file and copied it to the local work drive (D: in most cases), load the ShopBot software, open the File menu, and select "File Conversions."

At this point the "ShopBot DXF Converter window will open, asking for details about the file you are converting. It has the following options:

• 2D or 3D: Choose 2D if you did not include depth information in the DXF file itself.
• Safe Z Pull-up: This is the distance above the Z-plane at which all jog moves should be performed. This should be high enough to clear any clamps or other obstacle that may exist in the ShopBot's work volume.
• Use Accessory Axis: This should always be unchecked - we don't have one.
• Color Depth: For each color found in the DXF file, you will be asked to supply a depth at which these lines should be cut. In this example, the red outer perimeter will be skipped (cut at 1" above the material), while the cyan outer perimeter will be cut at a depth of 1/2". The yellow innards of the shape will be cut at a depth of 1/4", while any lines in black or color 256 will be skipped (cut at 1" above the material).
• Preview after conversion: This should be checked so that you can verify that the SBP file is going to produce the part as you expect. Be warned, however, that for a complex part file this preview can take a while to watch.

When you have set all the values correctly, click on "Convert DXF File" to begin the conversion, and you should see the following window:

When the file conversion is finished, the Preview window will begin showing an animation of your part file being executed. Red lines will be performed at the Move speed, while blue lines will be done at Jog speed. You can manipulate this view using the "View Control" and "Views" options at lower right.

It is recommended that you let this preview finish, and inspect the resulting display closely to ensure that nothing has been missed. It is especially important to make sure that no moves will go beyond the ShopBot's work volume (the thick yellow border pictured at right).

When the simulation has finished, you will be able to tell overall information about this part at the bottom of the main Console window.

In this example, you can see that the maximum and minimum distances of travel for this file are from 0 to 19.14" in the X axis, 0 to 22.83" in Y, and from 1/2" in depth to 1" above the surface of the material in Z. By referring back to the previous window, you can see that only the very beginning of the part file will be spent near the origin, however.

You can also see in this window that this part will take an estimated 3 minutes and 2 seconds to complete using the current Move and Jog speeds (4 inches per second for X&Y axis moves, 12 inches per second for X&Y axis jogs).

At this point, if you are happy with the information displayed, you are ready to secure your material, orient the tool, and execute your SBP file.

Executing A Part File

ShopBot Overview