When you select 2D Toolpath as the G-code type, the G-Code Generator can process data for points, lines, arcs, and circles. The software filters other entities like text notes, blocks, ellipses, splines, revision clouds, and hatch.
If your company uses specific setup and reset instructions for CNC machining, code these instructions in a text file so that you can copy and paste them in
Preamble and
Postscript fields of the G-Code Generator.
The G-Code Generator provides generic instructions in these fields.
To generate G-code for a 2D tool path:
- Open a 2D drawing to a model tab.
You cannot generate G-code from a sheet tab.
- In the upper right corner of the G-Code Generator panel, select 2D Toolpath from the drop-down list.
- To process data for blocks like rectangles or polygons, explode the blocks.
-
Do one of the following:
- Select the entities to process in the graphics area and click Generate
in the top toolbar of the G-Code Generator panel.
- Click Generate , then select the entities to process and press Enter.
Data for the selected entities is read into the G-Code Generator and an image appears in the preview window.
- If you have prepared company-specific setup and reset instructions, copy them and paste them in the Preamble and Postscript fields.
- Specify cutting instructions in the remaining fields.
For field descriptions, click
Help 
in the top toolbar of the
G-Code Generator panel.
- Optionally, use the controls below the preview window to simulate the tool path in the preview.
- Adjust the cutting parameters if necessary.
- Click Save
to open the Save File dialog box, where you can save the G-code you have generated as a .txt or .ngc file.
- Specify a path and file name and click Save.