Cad/Cam

About
CAD = computer aided drafting
CAM = computer aided manufacturing

CAD/CAM is a python program that runs on the Linux Operating System. CAD/CAM can be used to design 2d shapes or 3d objects that can be prototyped using many different methods and machines in the Fab Lab. Below, are application examples for using CAD/CAM as well as tricks and tips for using this software.

Applications

  • Modela Mini Mill
  • Roland Vinyl Cutter

    Tricks and Tips

  • Killing/Restarting CAD/CAM without restarting Linux
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    >> And, do you know a key command to kill cad.py while it's sending data
    >> to the modela?
    >> So i dont need to reboot the whole system.

    All you need to do is kill the processes that are sending to the modela
    -- you don't even need to kill cad.py, so you don't have to re-contour.

    First, find the processes sending to the modela. These processes are something like

    cat something.rml > /dev/ttyS0

    you can find them by % ps aux | grep rml

    You should see 2 or 3 processes listed, one of which is the "grep"
    command you used to search for the process. Look at the process
    number, and kill them all, e.g.:

    % kill 1234 5678

    (but with the correct process numbers).

    Next, be sure to clear the modela's buffer by pressing the up and down buttons simultaneously. The green light on the modela should flash for a couple of seconds then stop. If it doesn't stop flashing, this indicates that the computer is still sending. Repeat the above steps until the light stops flashing.
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  • Setting up CAD/CAM