Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:Re: programming by hand

If you don't already have "canned" cycles, it's easy enough to "write your
own". Every time you do any kind of "simple" project, save the useful steps
as "sub-routines" for possible incorporation into your next project. In
fact, if you put all your "sub-routines" at the beginning of your main
program, it would be easy to number each differnt one and add new ones as
you "discover" them. You could then start EVERY program with your own
personal basic "canned routines".

You could also include your personal canned package as you edit the gcode
produced by your CAM package as well.

CAD is NOT a must...unless your doing really complicated parts. I ran an
experiment the other night to generate some gcode using the BobCAD demo.
The code it generated was extremely long for the part to be machined. Also,
it generated the part with only one tool size. With a good isometric
drawing of the part I can write a MUCH simpler program. I'd also save time
by inserting a tool change and bigger Z moves. Having canned cycyes
mentioned above would make the whole process that much simpler.....and
probagbly faster since I wouldn't have to wade thru the generated code to
make changes that didn't need to be there in the first place.

Incidently, I've got another part to cut that can be done using three tools
rather than one. In fact, I'd get a better cut using three tools rather
than one strait cutting (or a bull nose) end mill. I'd use two ball end
mills to cut the required radii using only ONE "move" with each tool. Rather
than cutting the radii via a complex program using step cutting ...which
leaves a rough surface.

So there IS a place for generating your own gcode programs by hand.

Smoke

>Nice post! It's good to remember that it all boils down to lines and
>arcs! For those who HAVE the 'canned cycles' at the level you
>mention ; i.e.,bolt circles, pockets,macros, etc.(many will just have
>drill cycles) it is good advice. Single line programs and cutter
>comp 'tricks'.
>
>>But, I think their(CAM) need is overrated. On the other hand a CAD
>>system is a must.
>>Oh, yeah, here's another reason in favor of hand programming....you
>>get to cut the parts the way you want not the way the CAM system
>>wants.
>
>Thanks for reminding us there is more than one way.
>
>Ballendo
>
>P.S. I assume you'd agree that 3d injection molds is a different
>thing?
>
>
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