DXF File ImportCenturion CNC TIPS are applicable to the Milltronics Centurion I, V, 6, and 7 controls.

A feature of the Milltronics 7200 control is the ability to import CAD files (.dxf and .cdl) directly into a conversational program. This feature creates the line and arc events that specify the part geometry for milling applications or creates the drill positions for drilling applications. Some rules to follow when using the DXF file import feature:

The Mill geometry must only consist of lines and arcs. Drill geometry must only consist of circles. The file 1. can not contain text, splines, polylines, dimensional data, drafting borders, or part name blocks.Use the CAD zero point (global zero) as the part zero point.2. When creating the mill CAD file, the geometry must from a continuous path from start to end without 3. breaks between entities. The Milltronics control has a parameter that controls the search distance between entities. It is a parameter located in the MISC menu and named CAD EPSILON. Typically the value of this parameter is .003-.005.

Once in a conversational program, press F2(MILL) or F3(DRILL) depending upon if the CAD file is milling or drilling. If F2(MILL) is selected, pressing F8(CAD) will enable the CAD file to be loaded. If F3(DRILL) is selected, use the F6(CAD) key. When the CAD key is selected, the control will display the following:

(over)

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DXF File Import Page 2 Continued

Use the F2(MENU) key to select the CAD file from the appropriate location. This will bring up a menu with a list of available CAD files. Only .dxf and .cdl files can be used. Select the file and press the F5(ENTER). This will input the file path, file name, and file extension into the fields.

The F3(STRIP) key is enabled by default and will cause the control to ignore Z dimension values within the CAD file. If Z dimensions are to be imported, press the F3(STRIP) to disable. (The F3(STRIP) button will then be gray when disabled).

After the DXF menu has been completed, press the F1(INPUT) key. The control will display the part drawing shown in Figure 1.

Select F1(PATH). The control will display “Pick Start Point”. Using the F7-F10 keys, move the cross hairs onto the part sketch at the desired start point. After the start point is selected, press F5(ENTER). (See Figure 2)

The control will now prompt “Pick a Point in the Direction You Want To Cut.” This point will send the cutter path in the direction of the cross hair referenced from the start point defined in the previous step. Press F5(ENTER) to create the line and/or arc events that will define the part. (See Figure 3)

The event TOOL PIERCE-START MILL CYCLE and event TOOL RETRACT-END MILL CYCLE events may need to be modified.

® CenturionCNC TIPS

1400 Mi l l Lane Waconia, MN USA 952.442.1410 952.442.6457 FAX www.mil l t ronics.net

Copyright © 2010 by Milltronics CNC Machines, 1400 Mill Lane, Waconia, MN 55387 USA

Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 1