FAQ

Q: What do I need in addition to the MicroMill 2000 or DSLS 3000 system to get going?

A: All you need is a Win XP computer with a processor speed greater than 1 GHz and a printer port.

Q: Is the Control Software a Windows based program?

A: Yes, the custom Mach 3 control software will run with Win 2000 or XP.

Q: Can I just export a G-Code program I create from a Cad/Cam program directly to the MicroMill System, without the use of the G-Code interpreter?

A: No, the G-Code interpreter program is required to translate the positioning commands into the proper signals necessary for the electronic motor driver.

Q: Wait, how many software programs are really necessary to generate a part from scratch and then machine it?

A: At present (and this applies across the board in this industry) there are 3 separate levels of software necessary to go from design to part:

1.    The CAD program such as AutoCad, DesignCad or Rhino3D.

2.    A program to create a G-Code file of the part such as DeskProto. Note: Higher cost programs such as MasterCam or ArtCam perform both steps 1 and 2.

3.    A signal generator program to translate the G-Codes into proper motor driver signals.

Q: Will part programs I generate in Cad/Cam packages run on the machine?

A: Yes, if they can generate a standard ASCII G-Code program. Mastercam, Surfcam, Pro Engineer, Artcam, Cimagrafi, BobCad, DeskProto and Millwizard are all being successfully employed by MicroMill users around the world.

Q: Can the MicroMill perform true 3D surface contouring?

A: Yes, it is simply a matter of generating 3D G-Codes.

Q: Can I import DXF files directly and execute them?

A: Yes, the Mach 3 software will import and translate DXF files into standard G-code files which can then be executed.

Send mail to info@microproto.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 16, 2010

Copyright Š2010 MicroProto Systems. All rights reserved.
No part of this web site, including photos, text or illustrations may be reproduced
or transmitted for commercial use without written permission from MicroProto Systems.

Q: What do I need in addition to the MicroMill 2000 or DSLS 3000 system to get going?

A: All you need is a Win XP computer with a processor speed greater than 1 GHz and a printer port.

Q: Is the Control Software a Windows based program?

A: Yes, the custom Mach 3 control software will run with Win 2000 or XP.

Q: Can I just export a G-Code program I create from a Cad/Cam program directly to the MicroMill System, without the use of the G-Code interpreter?

A: No, the G-Code interpreter program is required to translate the positioning commands into the proper signals necessary for the electronic motor driver.

Q: Wait, how many software programs are really necessary to generate a part from scratch and then machine it?

A: At present (and this applies across the board in this industry) there are 3 separate levels of software necessary to go from design to part:

1. The CAD program such as AutoCad, DesignCad or Rhino3D.

2. A program to create a G-Code file of the part such as DeskProto. Note: Higher cost programs such as MasterCam or ArtCam perform both steps 1 and 2.

3. A signal generator program to translate the G-Codes into proper motor driver signals.

Q: Will part programs I generate in Cad/Cam packages run on the machine?

A: Yes, if they can generate a standard ASCII G-Code program. Mastercam, Surfcam, Pro Engineer, Artcam, Cimagrafi, BobCad, DeskProto and Millwizard are all being successfully employed by MicroMill users around the world.

Q: Can the MicroMill perform true 3D surface contouring?

A: Yes, it is simply a matter of generating 3D G-Codes.

Q: Can I import DXF files directly and execute them?

A: Yes, the Mach 3 software will import and translate DXF files into standard G-code files which can then be executed.

Send mail to info@microproto.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: April 16, 2010

Copyright Š2010 MicroProto Systems. All rights reserved. No part of this web site, including photos, text or illustrations may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial use without written permission from MicroProto Systems.

Send mail to info@microproto.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 16, 2010

Copyright Š2010 MicroProto Systems. All rights reserved.
No part of this web site, including photos, text or illustrations may be reproduced
or transmitted for commercial use without written permission from MicroProto Systems.