Altium Designer is fundamentally a PCB layout tool. I'm not familiar with the capabilities of IsoPro's software and what file formats it can accept but Altium Designer can produce gerber, ODB++, DXF, as well as native ASCII formats. If IsoPro can read any of those files then it sounds like a link might be possible.
@altium1 - I only use Virtual Modela to visualize the final output. The G-code is created directly from the script. If you have Altium Designer Summer 09, the script is included in the examples folder. Otherwise email me at marty (dot) hauff (at) altium (dot) com and I will email you the script directly.
@KingMartifa - Thanks. Of course, the script is in AD Summer 09. I was copy and save for future implementations (for example, AD 10 have not included this magnificient script). But how we can define the geometry of milling instrument? What kind of machine control software you use to import .mdt output file?
@KingMartifa Hi! I used this script and everything is ok, but script not generate me any G-code file only .mdt file for VirtualModela. Can you write what more should be done to mill pcb (maybe some soft .mdt file to convert to gcode?). I have a machine Rolland MDX-15 with the full software.
@MrElile44 - Well spotted! If you're referring to the merging of tracks visible at about 3:48 in the video, it's because the design I used didn't have sufficient clearance for the polygon pour to squeeze a path between some of the tracks. The Mill path is taken from the polygon outline so you need to make sure there is sufficient space for the polygon to pour between all tracks. Using design rules to enforce a larger clearance between tracks prior to running the script is the best solution.
@happygamestvfun1 A milling machine is a 3-axis machine that has a variable height drill (mill) and a table that your job sits on that can move in X/Y plane. Using commands sent to the milling machine, you can program it to carve out a 3D object or, in our case, cut out the track work for a PCB so you can then prototype an electronic circuit.
Just a quick one. There is already a script in the current 09 editions. It runs the EGX-350 and other machines. Alternatively, chcek out copperCAM and gerbers. It runs G codes, RML codes. hole editing etc
I don't know of a script that would create G-codes directly but I don't think it'd be too hard to create one based on the script I've already created. The code is pretty straight forward. Is it straight Gerber you want or something different. I might be able to have a go at creating it for you... if I get half a moment spare.
@Marcelmx3 Yeah I wrote it. But you could modify it pretty easily to work with other g-code systems. If you are using Altium Designer, have a look in the examples folder. Would it help if I uploaded this script somewhere more accessible?
@KingMartifa Yes the script is in the example folder just like your video, which file do i need to edit for other g-code types..? (im not a real programmer :) ) but i can try of course..
@Marcelmx3 Main Program is MillExporter.pas. The main routine is called RunMillExporter and this calls ExportDrillFiles() and ExportMillFiles(). If you follow the calling path through, you'll notice calls to functions starting with RML_... These are the RML specific language functions. To target a different g-code system, these are the functions that would need to be retargeted.
I'm happy to open a more direct dialog to discuss: marty dot hauff at altium dot com.
Altium Designer is fundamentally a PCB layout tool. I'm not familiar with the capabilities of IsoPro's software and what file formats it can accept but Altium Designer can produce gerber, ODB++, DXF, as well as native ASCII formats. If IsoPro can read any of those files then it sounds like a link might be possible.
KingMartifa 10 months ago
Is there a way to interface IsoPro's Quick Circuit Milling machine with Altium?
jaspers22 10 months ago
@altium1 - I only use Virtual Modela to visualize the final output. The G-code is created directly from the script. If you have Altium Designer Summer 09, the script is included in the examples folder. Otherwise email me at marty (dot) hauff (at) altium (dot) com and I will email you the script directly.
KingMartifa 1 year ago
@KingMartifa - Thanks. Of course, the script is in AD Summer 09. I was copy and save for future implementations (for example, AD 10 have not included this magnificient script). But how we can define the geometry of milling instrument? What kind of machine control software you use to import .mdt output file?
altium1 1 year ago
@KingMartifa Hi! I used this script and everything is ok, but script not generate me any G-code file only .mdt file for VirtualModela. Can you write what more should be done to mill pcb (maybe some soft .mdt file to convert to gcode?). I have a machine Rolland MDX-15 with the full software.
bartekzajk 9 months ago
Great solution. But when I see, you use Virtual Modela post processor.
How you make g-code? From where I can download this soft?
altium1 1 year ago
@MrElile44 - Well spotted! If you're referring to the merging of tracks visible at about 3:48 in the video, it's because the design I used didn't have sufficient clearance for the polygon pour to squeeze a path between some of the tracks. The Mill path is taken from the polygon outline so you need to make sure there is sufficient space for the polygon to pour between all tracks. Using design rules to enforce a larger clearance between tracks prior to running the script is the best solution.
KingMartifa 1 year ago
Nice, but a bit misleading. The density is too big on this card as some nets are not separated. Could a thinner tool do the job?
MrElile44 1 year ago
Whast a milling do?
happygamestvfun1 1 year ago
@happygamestvfun1 A milling machine is a 3-axis machine that has a variable height drill (mill) and a table that your job sits on that can move in X/Y plane. Using commands sent to the milling machine, you can program it to carve out a 3D object or, in our case, cut out the track work for a PCB so you can then prototype an electronic circuit.
KingMartifa 1 year ago
very nice ! ! !
tecfacet 2 years ago
Just a quick one. There is already a script in the current 09 editions. It runs the EGX-350 and other machines. Alternatively, chcek out copperCAM and gerbers. It runs G codes, RML codes. hole editing etc
intellecta 2 years ago
Hi, do you know a script to creat some G-code file directly ?
i would like to mill my PCB with my CNC machine who know only G-code ..
thanks ;)
SpaceWalker31200 2 years ago
Hi SpaceWalker,
I don't know of a script that would create G-codes directly but I don't think it'd be too hard to create one based on the script I've already created. The code is pretty straight forward. Is it straight Gerber you want or something different. I might be able to have a go at creating it for you... if I get half a moment spare.
KingMartifa 2 years ago
@KingMartifa Hai there... And did you created the script for the g-code?
This script is really great ! although i use mach3 g-code so unfortunately can not use this one...
Marcelmx3 1 year ago
@Marcelmx3 Yeah I wrote it. But you could modify it pretty easily to work with other g-code systems. If you are using Altium Designer, have a look in the examples folder. Would it help if I uploaded this script somewhere more accessible?
KingMartifa 1 year ago
@KingMartifa Yes the script is in the example folder just like your video, which file do i need to edit for other g-code types..? (im not a real programmer :) ) but i can try of course..
Marcelmx3 1 year ago
@Marcelmx3 Main Program is MillExporter.pas. The main routine is called RunMillExporter and this calls ExportDrillFiles() and ExportMillFiles(). If you follow the calling path through, you'll notice calls to functions starting with RML_... These are the RML specific language functions. To target a different g-code system, these are the functions that would need to be retargeted.
I'm happy to open a more direct dialog to discuss: marty dot hauff at altium dot com.
KingMartifa 1 year ago
@KingMartifa Thanks for the great info, i will first have a try myself before any further consult :)
Marcelmx3 1 year ago