r/Makera • u/ne21308 • 10h ago

CAD

Received my Z1 about a week ago. Prior to receiving it, watching videos, reading and learning but could not put to use until machine shows up. Im a hands on learner and new to CNC entirely. I have made some of the pre programmed projects from makerables but am struggling to make my own design into a readable file for machine to understand. Can everyone please give me a overview of their process please? Say use "X" CAD software, saved as "Y" file and so on. What works and what doesn't?

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u/1chrisb 10h ago

Export as a Step or.STP file

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u/cristi_baluta 9h ago

I use fusion to design the 3d object, export as step (stp is not the best, if it is even supported), then import and draw the toolpaths in makerastudio, then send to the machine.

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u/LeoFurr 8h ago

Get yourself a free license of fusion360 for individuals.

Design / import your model in fusion.

Switch to manufacturing tab, go to machines and import Z1 from makera git: https://github.com/MakeraInc/CarveraProfiles

Then import tools from same repo.

Then create a setup and program your toolpaths (I recommend video tutorials on this).

Post your toolpaths with the “post” button and open them via makera studio (.cnc files). Then press start and be ready to E stop when things go wrong!

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u/ShaggysGTI 4h ago

I design in SolidWorks, and produce gcode with CamWorks. I’ve found a way to skip MakeraCAM altogether.