Multiple bits in a single job (path?) on the Multicam

Woodshop
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I recently took a CNC marquetry class at Mark Adams School of Woodworking. The tool we used is a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator called ImagePaint (https://amazoncanvas.com/). ImagePaint generates the g-code for a variety of laser cutters and CNC routers to cut veneers and “pockets” . (A “pocket” is the recess that the marquetry fits into when you are inlaying it into wood.) I used an Epilog laser to cut my project (See yellow bird) because I’ve never used the laser before.

yellowbird
yellowbird3391×2690 740 KB

Now, I’m trying to create my first project here on the Multicam. To cut the 1/48" veneers and the sharp inside corners in the pockets I am supposed to use a .020" bit (which I have). For the open areas of the pocket, I can use a bigger 1/8" and 1/4" end mills to speed up the process. To accomplish this, ImagePaint generates a single .CNC file. According to the developer, if I load this .CNC file, the Multicam will pause when it’s finished with one bit and tell which one to load next.

Before I attempted anything like this, I thought it best to run it by the larger community. The first question that comes to mind for me is how does the Multicam know where Z-depth is after the bit change? Are there any other issues I should be aware of?

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The DMS Multicam will not pause and advise what bit is next. It will just stop in a fault mode when a bit change comes up because it doesn’t have a tool changer. You will need to divide the g code into separate files for each bit. Then when you do change bits, you will need to manually set Z in a way that is consistent across all toolpaths.

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Thanks. I’ve passed this along to the developer.

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So is this because we didn’t buy the feature (tool changer), or is it a flaw in the system…

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Tool changers are usually an optional thing. They are very good for production runs that require a couple of different tools and keep the machine from waiting on the dumb humans.

Not as great for a bunch of users with different machining needs.

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Didn’t buy a tool changer. And I would not recommend one at DMS due to wide variation is user experience/capability.

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