Newb with dumb TM CAD questions...
- Thread starter OcalaWill
- Start date
Dnmeistr-LECS
Well-Known Member
On our website under the Support link, we have downloads for instructions, as well as driver software and cad software.
Th
thankyou for that
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LECS-Chad
Guest
password to access the manuals is WELDRED (one word all caps) You can download them at your convenience.
I don't think anybody maybe even me at this point understands what I am wanting to do here , here we go , download the software on my laptop then use the manuals on another computer to try and learn while my machine is being built just like ocalawill ..has done. Am I missing something here
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LECS-Chad
Guest
So you want to run th eCAD on one computer and run the machine on another? The VMD software only runs the machine. The CAD requires the dongle to run so any computer you plan on using the CAD with will require the dongle to operate. You can also have the manuals/watch videos on the same computer. Is this what you are asking?
Matt
Well-Known Member
The software downloads do not require a password.
If the machine/equipment has not yet arrived but you would like to start learning the CAD you can download the EDU Student Version and you can start following along with the videos, link is below for the download.
http://torchmate.com/uploads/downloads/Torchmate CAD 9 EDU Student.zip
ok , big thanks to all to help me with what I was trying to accomplish. I did download the edu student version, and kudos to Mr Brian M for the time spent with a mac user trying to to do the windows thing, I have a lot to learn , you guys really do deliver when it comes to assistance...!!!!
OcalaWill
Well-Known Member
The Ver 8 manual and TM-U are extremely helpful no doubt, but as my original question reveals (most accidentally) that there are some significant differences between the two versions, specifically exporting CAM to VMD (and not having to delete the drawing which is nice). The Ginsu tool is great and easy to use. Thanks.
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LECS-Chad
Guest
Mainly the process the files from one system to the other. In the older systems the only reason to OUTPUT vs. EXPORT to DXF is mainly for dual tool purposes or multiple feed-rates in the file itself. As having to delete the original and save just the cut path was eliminated in version 8 with the addition of TOOL PATHS ONLY in the EXPORT. The VMD doesn't like DXF files so that is why the G-CODE is needed. Personally for any system I like to generate the g-code because less issues and no file confusion between DXF cut path or DXF drawing. Also not having the file go through a conversion between DXF and G-Code. My 3 cents of course...
OcalaWill
Well-Known Member
This brings up another question I have been meaning to ask, is there a reason when I import a DXF from AutoCad into TM-CAD the drawing is never exact? I know this is plasma cutting here and tolerances are looser but I have been experimenting with this and I have to make a lot of corrections to the drawing once in TM CAD. AutoCad is like a third arm for me (been using it since Rel 11 - yikes!) so I like to draw mechanical stuff there and import. Thanks!
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LECS-Chad
Guest
Ahhh... AutoCAD to TM CAD. I know of lines not connecting but never have been told that the file coming in isn't exact through the IMPORT. I can think of maybe not having enough decimal places enabled might cause this. shoot me a email via support@torchmate.com of both the AutoCAD dxf and the TM CAD cdl and Ill/team have a look and see what we come up with.
OcalaWill
Well-Known Member
Chad,
Been playing around with this for a bit and it seems to be an issue confined to older drawings I did with Acad R-14 years ago. Also it is confined to circles and ellipses. Straight lines seem to be fine. Also these are 3-D drawings - don't know if importing 3d is allowed(?) Anything 2D freshly drawn in either R-14 or Acad 2007 imports fine within .003 which is plently accurate enough.
If you want I can still send you an old drawing with these errors in DXF and CDL but as long as I know I can import new stuff I'm good. Thanks!
Been playing around with this for a bit and it seems to be an issue confined to older drawings I did with Acad R-14 years ago. Also it is confined to circles and ellipses. Straight lines seem to be fine. Also these are 3-D drawings - don't know if importing 3d is allowed(?) Anything 2D freshly drawn in either R-14 or Acad 2007 imports fine within .003 which is plently accurate enough.
If you want I can still send you an old drawing with these errors in DXF and CDL but as long as I know I can import new stuff I'm good. Thanks!
L
LECS-Chad
Guest
Yea 3d files... no bueno. I would "probably" tell you that 3d is the issue vs. straight 2d file since TMCAD doesn't even open or has issues with 3d formatted files.
