Converting Cad Files
 

Does anyone know of any file converters that will change an inventor file (.ipt)
to a mastercam 8 file (.mc8). I need this because the place I work is willing to let us use their CNC mill to cut some gearbox pieces, but their machines use mastercam and we only have inventor.

I've heard that there are programs to do it but I have yet to find one.

Thanks

Re: Converting Cad Files
 

This came from the Master Cam Website

"Built-in data translators for IGES,
Parasolid®, SAT (ACIS solids),
AutoCAD® (DXFTM, DWG, and
InventorTM files), SolidWorks®, Solid
Edge®, CADL, STL, VDA, and ASCII.
Direct translators for STEP, Catia®,
and Pro-E® are also available."

So it looks like you don't need to but you may want to try it first. You also have the option of saving it as a different file format like IGES. Most cam software will read that.

Re: Converting Cad Files
 

I always used to do this by exporting the model from Inventor as a .SAT file then importing the .SAT file in Mastercam.

If you look around in the programs you should be able to figure out how to inport and export (file->export and open->input are common menu selections).

Re: Converting Cad Files
 

I hope you understand that A CNC machine does not make parts from models. It needs a complex program made up of G codes. What Mastercam does, is allow you to draw toolpaths such that will create the part you imported. Then it can automatically generate the G code. Inventor is purely a CAD program, not CAM. To run your part on a CNC, you will need mastercam or just program it manually.

Re: Converting Cad Files
 

MasterCam 9.1 SP2 has a converter that supports Inventor ipt files. While I'm stll learning MasterCam, so far it has converted them fine. Setting up the toolpaths and Job Setup is really where MasterCam's strengths lie. Having the right PostProcessor is essential as well. This can be tricky, as you may need to contact the company that made your CNC or write your own Post.