CNC Estimating

[trainwreck]

I'm looking for a solution to estimating cut times on my router table. Is there a solution out there? Something that would "trace" your art, given your estimated run parameters, and spit out numbers like length of cut, and amount of time to cut. My software doesn't (i-cut).

Thanks

 

[Z SIGNS]

Most tool pathing software will give you an estimated run time or allow you to run a simulation.If you don't have that and you really need to know how long it's going to take run the file without the bit.

 

[Joe Crumley]

Z is correct when it comes to programs. I don't know of any that don't have the time calculation built into the design end.

ArtCam has a program "Express" which has a routing time estimator. It costs about $150.00. A good source is "Beckwithdecor.com"

Joe Crumley

 

[Techman]

I use Aspire and the cut times are usually close. Most times the estimate from Aspire is a bit longer than actual,

 

[J Hill Designs]

if your cnc controller doesnt have the option, you can 'find length around path' in your vector software, calculate based on IPM you are running your machine at, and add a bit for up/down etc

 

[darrell]

I know of this http://www.cutestimator.com
I know it has it's roots from a company called Di-con, it was a cutting service company
And a relative to MGE the founders of i-Cut Lake Geneva, WI (now part of Esko)
Another relative Nikolai Mikkelsen has http://cutguru.com/store/index.php/
I spoke with Nikolai and he gave me a little history about the Di-con company

 

[fixtureman]

I run the file in preview mode and it gives me an exact time of cut.