CNC moving Z-axis during cut

[Chris Puttick]

Just getting up to speed with CNC machines, only played with the laser so far and getting my head around gcode editing. Planning ahead, is there a way within gcode to tell the router to move up/down during a cut (creating curved reliefs). The software I'm using (UGS) doesn't make it clear if it's possible, and of course it may be the software can't - but should it possible in general? If so I'd be very grateful for some example gcode

NB I guess it may not be possible/practical with some CNC machines but I'm assuming a Z axis linear rail is being used for a reason

 

[meccarroll]

A very basic answer:

I think you may find that UGS will send and interpret the G code co-ordinates to the CNC Machine but is not generally used to create the G code, for example UGS will interpret the G code signals and move the CNC axis in the Y+, Y- direction Z+ Z- etc.

You need software to write the G code first called CAM software.

You send the G code written in cam software to UGS then UGS sends it to the CNC to create the required movement.

Vetric: https://www.vectric.com/ is CAM software.

Yes you can create movement on a 3 axis (X,Y,Z) CNC in all directions at the same time to create a dished effect etc.

 

[Ollie78]

If you download fusion 360 (free for hobby but nerfs the feeds and speeds of g code output) or a demo version of Vcarve pro or Aspire ( which will let you do everything except actually export gcode ) .
You can play around with genarating gcode and then watching a demo of what it will do when put into action using the preview modes. This will teach you a lot about how it works.

 

[Yojevol]

Having had a quick look at UGS, it looks to be very similar to CamBam which I've been using for my router. On the question of 3d operations involving the Z-axis, there are 2 options. Firstly, and I haven't ventured beyond this, there is 2.5d which is basically a number of 2d designs at varying levels in the Z direction. These levels must be specified when inputting your CAM criteria. UGS will automatically handle Z movements, ie, clearance heights and depths of cut, involved with 2d designs. You will need to input data for these.
How are obtaining/designing your input drawings? I use TurboCad and save my drawings in DXL format which CamBam can handle.
The second method is full 3d. In this case you will need a 3d design model saved in STL format.
I don't think you need to worry about g-code at this stage of your journey. The only times I have had to understand what's going on is when the machine software has identified a problem, eg, calling for a movement outside the machine's limits.
Brian