CNC12 - Imperial or Metric

1

For context I represent a makerspace. Out members use Fusion, Carbide Create or VCarve to create their projects and generate gcode, and CNC12 to execute them.

Some of our members prefer Metric, other Imperial … some suggest that the AVID default is Imperial. What we do know is that the units that the post processor produces have to match the machines setting. I would have thought CNC12 would process the G20 or G21 but instead it throws an error if the gcode units dont match the machines units..

It is not easy to change units in CNC12, several levels of menus to traverse, two fields to update and save. For a SME this might seem simple, for our average member its tougher … we would prefer they not be messing with the machines configuration.

So two questions really, first, is there an easy way to toggle between Imperial and Metric or a way to construct a macro or profile.

Second, is there a way to lock the configuration screens in CNC12

Thanks

Jin

2

When I start cnc12 I’m asked to load a configuration. I haveconfigurations for both metric and imperial. So I just select the that matches my job. I assume you could do the same and just exit cnc12 and restart withe the appropriate configuration selected.

3

In fusion 360 you can specify the units when you post process to generate the g-code regardless of the design units. So the post processor does all the conversions.

4

Yeah Carbide does that too.

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The problem is I cannot “lock” a profile, so nothing to stop anyone from changing a profile on a shared machine

6

I do all my Fusion/Vectric work in metric but my AVID is in imperial.

This sounds like a training issue. If you’re already training your users how to use the Avid, train them to export their work with an imperial post processor and leave the settings on the Avid alone.

7

True, and for Carbide we only offer one post processor so its never an issue. For VCarve the install insists on installing two and we cannot delete one, so the user can make a mistake by selecting the wrong one. Our fusion users tend to not have the issue.

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