[Evolution VIII]

Is it possible to convert Alibre Desing files to tollpath for CNC?

[ger21]

Yes. You can export .stl and .dxf files and use CAM software to create the toolpaths.

[Evolution VIII]

Yes. You can export .stl and .dxf files and use CAM software to create the toolpaths.

Alibre Desing Express does not have *.dfx export.

[ger21]

Mine does. You have to create a drawing of your part, which you can export as a 2D .dxf

[Evolution VIII]

My does not have a .dxf export but it does have a *.stl. What CAM supports .stl files?

[ger21]

Almost all 3D CAM programs do.

[DareBee]

My does not have a .dxf export but it does have a *.stl. What CAM supports .stl files?

Yours DOES have dxf export - as Gerry said, create a drawing from your model first.

[Evolution VIII]

Thanks got it.

Two more questions.
1. What CAM software do you recommend to use to create a tool path?

2. Is it possible to generate tool path from “Alibre Design Express” Part not from 2D drawing? My part is 3D with the different depth holes patterns.

Thank you.

[DareBee]

I have no idea what your needs or your budget is.

You can go anywhere from free to $50G on CAM.
In most cases you get what you pay for.

I use VisualMill. They do have a product called FreeMill.

Gerry is very knowledgeable on the free and close-to-free products. They have been listed many times on this site if you whish to search for them.

[Evolution VIII]

Thanks a lot. What about question number 2 in my post?

[DareBee]

You can use dwg/dxf for 2.5D CAM in any software I know of and stl/igs for 3+D.

The better the CAM the more easily it will integrate with your CAD.

I believe that Alibre pro or expert (whatever) actually comes with FreeMill integrated into it as an add-on and is not very expensive.

[Evolution VIII]

Looks like FreeMill will do the job. What Post-Processor should I use for Mach 3?

Thanks a lot.

[DareBee]

http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Downloads/posts.shtml

[Evolution VIII]

http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Downloads/posts.shtml

Thanks for your help!