@patonclover wrote:
I'm interested in how other CNC'ers record the details of each project they make. Amongst other things I am using my SO3XL to make models, not one-offs but a number over a period of months. So, I may make 3 model cars today and next month I may make another 5 then perhaps in three months time another 3.
With each project there are a number of variables that need to be used from one session to the next. I am interested how others record this data or if indeed you do, for example some of the information required with each milling session (in this case say I use Carbide Create for the CAD work) would include:
- CAD file: project_name.2cd
- G-code file/s: toolpath.ecg
- Material type
- Material dimensions W x H x D
- Zero location
- Mill/s - type/s and size/s
- Feeds and Speeds
As I see it there are a couple of options in the way one works:
- One could just keep the CAD file and at each milling session just run this file, use it to reproduce the G-code. Other details could be obtained from this file. The CAD file contains most of the information above.
- One could just keep the G-code/s file and run them directly (although it would be wise to keep the CAD file also). In this case it would be necessary to record the information above so as to setup the CNC. I understand some CNC’ers record details of the cutter used within the G-code file name e.g. Pocket_025_EndMill.ecg. But this doesn’t supply sufficient of information for cutting.
It seems to me that the ideal would be to keep a separate text file which records all of the relevant data that applies to that project.
Please tell you how you organise this side of your workflow.
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