Getting data from a dxf file to control logix processor

Hey everyone,

I'm taking on a project that requires me to take data from a dxf file (an AutoCAD drawing) and provide it to a control logix processor for a kinetix driven 3 axis router. My question is has anyone ever done this before? I don't know a lot about cam software but I'm guessing that will probably be the most streamline way to go about this project.

Thank you for any insight or advice!

Can you elaborate a little more? I take it you'll have a computer that will send the DXF data to the ControlLogix? If so, personally, I'd probably use two Python libraries:
dmroeder's pylogix (https://github.com/dmroeder/pylogix)
and
ezdxf (https://bitbucket.org/mozman/ezdxf)
You'd use ezdxf to parse the DXF file and get the points out or whatever it is you need, and use pylogix to send that data to the CLX CPU.

Okay, that makes sense. And yes I have a Prosoft wireless communication card that I will be using to connect a network of computers to the plc. I will also be using a panelview plus 1000 to specify the depth or position of the z-axis when routering.

Sounds like an interesting project, I'm interested in how this progresses so give us updates if you get time. If you need any help with getting the data in to the PLC, give me a shout.

Once upon a time there was a Logix demo application that implemented a G-code processor and even illustrated the tool path on a PV+.

We ran it on L1's and M02AE modules, so I'd say its from around 2003. I couldn't find it in the Knowledgebase, but a long-serving Rockwell specialist might know where to find it.

Ken Roach said:

Once upon a time there was a Logix demo application that implemented a G-code processor and even illustrated the tool path on a PV+.

We ran it on L1's and M02AE modules, so I'd say its from around 2003. I couldn't find it in the Knowledgebase, but a long-serving Rockwell specialist might know where to find it.

Click to expand...

That sounds like handy information, thank you I'll look into that.

Time to write a macro or lisp code in autocad.

Hey All,

I realize this is an old post, but figured I'd bump it as it came up in a search for info on a project I'm thinking about...

I am looking at building a 3-axis CNC router table (home project for my retirement).

There seems to be a couple ways to go on controls;

The popular avenue I see on the web is an Adrino based controller, that takes the G-Code (grbl) from a Cad/Cam program and drives small servos.
And the Cad/Cam software is where the DXF to G-Code happens...
And this is probably the way I should go...

BUT...

Just happens I have an old ControlLogix with Sercos interfaces, along with a rack of matching Kinetics drives sitting in my home workshop...

Hmmmm, I think... is it possible to get that Cad/Cam G-Code to work in ControlLogix??

Then I find this post where Ken Roach comments on a Logix demo that implemented a G-Code processor.

And this post basically ends there...

Has anyone found that Logic demo, or have any info on this type of project?

JohnR