Interactive, prompted selection of geometry
Program
events in the order you choose by selecting the event type and then
clicking on the geometry. Once the event type and X/Y dimensions are
loaded, it is an easy matter of filling in the rest of the prompts.
Layer selection
The ProtoTRAK DXF Converter
lets you view the entire file and select the layers you want to
machine. Less capable products force you to create a special CAD file
that only has the geometry layer.
Automatic Gap adjustments
Gaps between
lines and arcs are almost unavoidable in a CAD file because the file
was written to make a print - not to machine a part. Small gaps that
matter to a CNC aren't even visible on a blueprint. The ProtoTRAK DXF
Converter has an elegant solution to this - gap tolerances that are
automatically applied as you define your geometry. With just one
input, you direct the ProtoTRAK DXF Converter to close the gaps and
avoid the tedious job of closing these gaps on the CAD file.
Chaining
When programming
Pockets or Profiles, you define the entire geometry of the periphery
with just two clicks - the first to tell the ProtoTRAK where to start,
the second to tell it which direction to go. The rest of the connected
events are loaded in automatically. For the part above, the seven
events were programmed as easily as clicking two lines. Imaging the
time savings when chaining a complex profile made up of dozens of
connected lines and arcs!
DXF out
The DXF Converter
also converts your ProtoTRAK programs into CAD files. You can program
a part, then generate a CAD file with the data. Even when you didn't
start with a DXF file, you can document your existing ProtoTRAK
programs easily and automatically by creating one. When you do start
with a DXF file, and you change the part in the prototyping process,
you can provide a revised DXF file that reflects those changes.
Line Editing
Sometimes the
lines drawn in the DXF file can't be machine as they are drawn. For
example, in the lathe part drawing pictured here, you want to machine
the profile of the part with a turn/face tool and come back and
machine the groove with a grooving tool. The DXF converter enables you
to insert or hide lines to get past these line problems without having
to go back to the CAD department.
Pocket and Profile event types
(milling)
Along with the
dimensions provided by the CAD file, the convenience of the ProtoTRAK
pocket and profile events is available to make even complex shapes a
breeze. With the powerful features of chaining and automatic gap
closing, you are left with the simple matter of answering a few
prompts in the header event. Imagine programming even complex profiles
in seconds!
Why you need a good DXF
Converter
A good DXF
Converter lets the CAD programmer and the machinist do what they do
and uses software to translate between them efficiently. A poor DXF
Converter forces too much of the machinist's job onto the CAD
programmer or forces a lot of communication between the two. Even if
the CAD programmer and the machinist are the same person, a poor
translator forces a lot of extra effort to get the CAD file just
right. Productivity is about eliminating time and effort spent
needlessly - a good DXF Converter will do that for you and a poor one
won't.
Comparison
| |
ProtoTRAK DXF Converter |
Brand A |
| Machining order |
You determine in an intuitive, interactive process
much like ProtoTRAK programming |
All of the events or steps are tediously reordered
one at a time |
| Programming order |
As you choose |
Some choices, but still very limited |
| Layers |
You choose which one to work on |
No choice - either deal with unwanted elements or
isolate the part on a special file. |
| Non-dimensional information |
ProtoTRAK programming format |
Special explode and program - a whole new and
different system |
| Gap closing |
Either automatic or selective - you choose |
Gaps stop you cold. Go back to the CAD guy for him
to hunt them down and stretch the lines to fit |
| Setting Zero reference |
Easy process for choosing a new absolute reference
that makes sense |
Stuck with the drawing's reference point. Work
around with fixture offset |
| Chaining |
You choose the event type and direction, the DXF
Converter does the rest. Indispensable for larger files. |
Not applicable. Drawings are exploded
automatically with the unfortunate consequences noted above |
| File transfer |
Floppy or network. Share the CAD directory and
retrieve files without leaving your machine |
Floppy only |
| DXF Out |
Create a DXF File from a ProtoTRAK program |
Not applicable |
| Price |
At $745 the first seat, $445 additional it is the
lowest priced DXF Converter that actually works well |
Free, and no bargain at that. Bad software will
waste your time and give you no benefit |
