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Ivan,

My problem is how to get started.

I can create a sensible drawing (in Turbo Cad)of a part like a crossed out clock wheel but I feel that is only the beginning. The software that my Wabeco mill uses is NCCAD Basic and it can readily import the file.

What stages do I need to go through to make this into a drawing that the mill is then happy with? In particular, how does it know which bits of the drawing are to remain solid and which to cut out.

I'm sure this is a really basic question but I'm struggling to get going.

Mike.

Hello Mike,

Sounds like you are looking for a link between CAD and Machining. That link in the process is CAM Software or Computer Aided Manufacturing Software.

In your CAM Software you select:
Stock size you will machine
Tool you will use
Feeds and Speeds of machining
Type or ­style­ of machining
How many Axis machining

Plus others. When you are done with all that, your CAM Software post-processes a g-code file. You then take that file and run it in your CNC Control software.

For you the CNC Control Software sounds like this:
"The software that my Wabeco mill uses is NCCAD Basic and it can readily import the file."

Here is a video series that walks through all the CNC Steps if you are interested.

http://www.cncinformation.com/cnc-ecourse-videos-learn-cnc-cnc-basics-video/

Check that out, then ask, ask, ask. If I can't help, there are plenty of other CNC Information Community Members that like helping out.

Have a good one,
Ivan