RCFoamCutter - The Software
There are 4 options to run our machines:
1. Using the old PC printer port - this option will only work on WinXP or Win7 32 bit OS
2. Using USB adapter UC100 - The adapter will work with Win7 64 bit, Win8 and win10
3. Using Arduino with DevCNC-USB software
4. Using Arduino with GRBL - work in progress
4 Axis stepper motor driver board
WinXP or Win7 32 Bit
Mach3
25 pin connctor
printer port
Mach3
Parallel Port
Left X motor
Left Y motor
Right X motor
Right Y motor
OR
4 Axis stepper motor driver board
Win7, Win8 , Win 10
Mach3
Mach3
Mach3
USB
Mach3
USB
Mach3
USB
Left X motor
Left Y motor
Right X motor
Right Y motor
4 Axis stepper motor driver board
DevCNC
USB
Arduino
Left X motor
Left Y motor
Right X motor
Right Y motor
The Process & Software
Foam cutting requires 3 steps:
1. Design - 2D shapes - save in DXF format (R14 or 2000 are preferred)
2. Convert the DXF to G code - use DevFoam or other g code generation tools.
In order to generate G code (convert DXF to G code in order to run the machine) we recommend using DevFoam -
for straight cuts and DevFoamPro for tapered shapes. Program can be found here www.devcad.com
3. To run the 4 axis hot wire machine, there are two options.
Option 1 - Using Mach3 available from www.machsupport.com
Using WinXP or Win7 32 bit windows machine with an onboard parallel port, setup the program as in this link
Using Win7 64 bit, Win 8 or Win10, you will need to use the UC100 or an equivalent adapter, make sure to
install all the necessary drivers and then setup mach3.
Option 2 - Using DevCNC available from www.devcad.com
Using DevCNC requires a different hardware package - for more information click here
Option 3 - Using Arduino with GRBL available - We are currently working on this option
DevFoam and DevFoamPro setup
Follow the step by step instructions in the video below
