Re: Conversational CNC

Bill/Group,

What do you mean by conversational CNC?

Conversational CAM where you're prompted for parameters?

Or, conversational CNC controls, where the programming is done at the
machine?

The former is nothing new.

Conversational CNC controls are something else. Two of my controls
are advertised as "conversational". Basically, as I see it, they're
just controls with very powerful canned cycles. The two controls
work slightly differently. One of them gives you a screen full of
possible parameters for you to choose based on which options of the
particular canned cycle you're utilizing. The user is not prompted
for parameter values. The other control gives a similiar screen with
a graphical representation of the canned cycle and prompts the user
for parameter values.

Both controls will dry run the program graphically to verify it.
Neither control checks for out of range values or omission of
required parameters until dry running.

It's the power of the canned cycles that makes these controls
special. They can accomplish in a couple of lines of easily
programmed, understandable and shop-floor-modifiable code what a CAM
system might require 100's of lines using plain vanilla Gcodes.

Example: a part having a rectangular pocket with radiused corners
oriented 30 degrees off the Y axis with peck milling to go to full
pocket depth and finish pass....five lines of code, first line to
load tool and turn spindle on, second line rotate machine axis, third
to position tool at start of pocket, fourth line to mill pocket, last
line M30. How many lines would that take using G00, G01, G02, G03
and how easily could you modify pocket size, corner radius or depth?

Using the conversational controls we do about 98% of our production
part programming while standing in front of the machines without need
for CAM.

Doug

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., wanliker@a... wrote:
> When this list was first started there was quite a lot about
Conversational
> CNC, but nothing since, for a long time.
>
> Would someone undertake explaining to me and the list, what, and
why
> Conversational CNC is desirable, its advantages and disadvantages.
>
> Also would any of the programmers on the list like to tackle a
project like
> that? If so I would set up a group for you to handle the technical
> conversations. And I would be happy ti take care of any overhead
for the
> list. Hopefully this would add another option to our
members????????????
> Thanks,
> bill
> List Mom