DIG file not compatible with anything!?

[cnckeith]

Mold Magic was created before there were a bunch of CAD and CADCAM systems that can import point cloud data (or at least affordable ones),
we discontinued Mold Magic years ago since the functionality that it provided became available in common and affordable CAD and CAD/CAM systems. (Mold magic last was supported on Windows XP if i'm not mistaken). The decision was made to end Mold Magic since CAD/CAM systems provide much more functionality like roughing and finish passes with different tools, not to mention that you can then improve upon the shape etc..

Reverse Engineering with Centroid Touch Probe Digitizing

Two main Methods.

1.) Digitize and Cut. No CAD/CAM system needed.

2.) Digitize and export as cloud point file and import into CAD system, then create 3D model based on digitized data, export G code and cut.

each method has advantages depending on the scope of the project.

1.) Digitize and Cut. No CAD/CAM system needed.
With this method the ACTUAL Tool path is being directly created using Digitizing and the operator has to think in such terms and use good Digitizing strategies and practices.

Pros
- No CAD/CAM system needed
Cons
- Can not edit the shape of the digitized data
- Roughing passes are not automatically created (there are tricks to this depending on the application)
- The Digitizing Stylus has to be the same size as the cutter. Or the cutter has to be the same size as the digitizing stylus.
- Long Digitizing Times


2.) Digitize and export as cloud point file (DIG to CAD button) and import cloud data into a CAD system, then create 3D model based on that digitized data.

With this method Digitizing is used to record 3D data (typically minimum viable data set to define the shape) and then Tool Path is created with a CAM system.

Pros
- Unlimited control of model shape via CAD system (make improvements on the original)
- Unlimited Tool Pathing via CAD/CAM system. (rough cuts, finish, different cutters etc)
- Shorter Digitizing Time compared to Method 1

Cons
- learning curve and expense of a CAD/CAM system

Most users that regularly have Reverse Engineering projects invest in time and software and go with Method #2.

That being said i know of a customer that makes some pretty nice injection molds out of steel with .DIG files that he created using a hand shaped piece of maple (he is making fishing lures) and he uses the direct Digitize and Cut method. This method works for him and his application as he digitizes the part with two different Styli Diameters to create a Rough and Finish pass by digitizing with these two different size styli (.25 for rough and .125 for finish) and then uses tools that match.

[shreddedcurbs]

I have a windows XP computer. Can I have a copy of mold magic? Might be worth it to try.

When digitizing and direct to cut it would be crazy to use a cutter the size of the stylus. Most stylus are .073. that would take forever to cut anything of size.

Also on my brand new windows 10 2021 computer there's been quite a few times where it stops digitizing, doesn't move the spindle or XY and the completion percentage and time keep increasing but nothing happens.

Had quite a few errors that either lost Ethernet connection or said see tech bulletin 270

Also some times it will reach the end of the part and just keep probing up and down on the z axis not continuing onto the next zig zag. Just stalls in one area bouncing up and down. Until I physically touch the probe and then it moves on

[suntravel]

tech bulletin 270, this is lost Ethernet connection.

Probing stops if you have lots of request for resend in your logs.

Could both be a problem with noise or the setup on your PC.

Uwe

[cnckeith]

Post a fresh report. Zip so we can see the error log and your settings.

Fix the communication errors before trying to digitize or cut anything that is imperative.

See this post on how to do that.
https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=1451

[cnckeith]

ok i found a copy of Mold Magic that should run on a Win7/10/11 computer... zip file attached.

[shreddedcurbs]

Thanks. I purchased a Cat 5, 7, 8 cables and tested them. All 3 seem to have intermittent issues. I think the port on the board is loose it has a lot of play. I put in an RMA request with Centroid. Thanks for Mold Magic, I'll see if this works better than using a couple programs to get the point cloud working

[cnckeith]

the ethernet cable has to be a shielded cable.

Things that will cause com errors

1.) using a RJ45 a bulk head connector

2.) Using a regular non-shielded Ethernet cable

3.) Using a USB Ethernet adapter.

4.) Ethernet adapter drivers on CNC PC haven't been updated

5.) ANY type of anti virus software installed, you can't just simply turn it off you have to uninstall it

6.) Windows fire wall blocking cncm.exe, cncr.exe, or cnct.exe

7.) Windows or Laptop bios power saving feature turning off the Ethernet adapter, Windows resetting the ip address automatically. Un select “Obtain an IP address automatically” in Windows ethernet adapter settings and select “ Use the following IP address”

see this post for more info.

https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=8855#p8855

rare but can happen that the ethernet port on the BBG is damaged. (i have seen this happen if cable has been yanked very hard bending the connector on the board.) you can buy a new BBG, debrick it and install it if that is the case.

[cnckeith]

post a fresh report.zip, this report contains all the system setting and the error logs..that way we can see when the 270 is happening, that sometimes will give us more information so we can help you. Photos of the installation and part project go a long way in getting good advice as well, otherwise we are all just guessing for you.

follow the posting guidelines for free tech support.
https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043

[Black Forest]

True dedication when Keith takes time on Christmas to help his end users. What other company has such dedication to its end users. Wow.

[TheKitMill]

Second That Keith is one of the best as are all of the Centroid Folks I have interacted with.