We have a five-axis CNC machine: can we use DeskProto ?
Yes, you can, however without using the fourth and fifth axis: A and B remain at angle zero, so the cutter keeps having a verical orientation. DeskProto only generates 3-axis (X, Y, Z) toolpaths. It is also possible to generate five different three-axis programs, to machine a part from five sides: vertical cutter from above, horizontal cutter from front, right, back and left. For an example see the Gallery project on “five axis machining”. I let DeskProto send the NC file to my machine, but nothing happens. In most cases this is due to a misunderstanding about what DeskProto does. DeskProto generates an NC file with toolpath information. DeskProto does NOT control a milling machine: it can for instance not generate step and direction pulses over the parallel port. It also cannot set the machine’s workpiece zero point. For this funtionality Control Software is needed. See the article An Introduction to CAM Software on the articles page of our website. DeskProto’s option “Send NC program
