Re: Machine Options in CAM Software ?

Mark there are three distinct steps to CNC
First off is the CAD/CAM program that draws the part and converts it
into code that the machine can understand.
Examples are Mastercam, Vector, Dolphin Visual Mill and others.
This code then goes to the Controller which turns the code into step
and direction signals. Examples are Master5, Mach1, Flashcut, Ahha
and others.
These step and direction signals then go to the driver unit that
converts these into pulses that go to the stepper motors.

The reason they ask for machines types is because although there is a
form of standard each machine has specific codes. The Heidenhain
controller for instance doesn't use G code but has it's own form of
code. Hurco's also use a machine specif code.
It's the job of the post processor in the CAM systen to convert your
CAM instructions into code specific for your machine.
Hope this explains it.

John S.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "natchamp_87" <mark@h...> wrote:
> While I'm waiting to buy my mill for the retrofit project I have
been
> playing around with different software for the CAD and CAM part.
Why
> do the different CAM softwares ask for what type (Fidal, Faunc,
etc)
> of machine? I thought G code was somewhat universal for CNC? Is
it
> because not all machines use all G codes?
> Also, is the G code converted into step and directions signals in
the
> NC software? Thanks for any clarifications!
>
> Mark