Re: Conversational CNC Programming

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "colin_jet" <yahoo@l...>
wrote:

> Except of course that the conversational programming doesn't have

to

> be done on the machine itself, although I know that's what the
> thread so far has been discussing.
>
> The home user might well use the same PC to interactively write a
> simple g-code sequence and then load up something like Mach2 to run
> it.

Yes they could manually program it as MDI too.

> If you just want to surface a block, cut a couple of pockets and
> drill a few holes, this has to be quicker than a CAM program and

its

> associated CAD drawing.

It's not. It's quicker to program one hole, mill one edge, maybe,
but you can also do the job just as fast with a little mdi and
holding down the jog buttons too.

The data entry for a cad-cam system is nearly identical to that
required for conversational programming. The difference is that you
get a visual feedback from the CAD so you can SEE YOUR MISTAKES
before you make scrap. It is also usually much easier to make
multiple parts with cad-cam. Complexity will not leave you
scratching your head as the cad-cam systems are designed to handle
both simple and complex tasks.

With a program like DeskCNC, it's hard to imagine that you could
improve on the time to create a pocket or drill holes or contour, etc
etc etc. Since it is the same program for CAM and controller, many
of the steps that are perceived as time consuing in the cad-cam-cnc
process are minimized. You are not limited to pocketing boxes or
circles either. Draw any complex shape (or receive a drawing from
someone) and you can pocket it, with angled sidewalls, finish passes,
tool changes, multiple depths, submerged islands, etc etc etc.

If you machine in a 2D world of simple shapes, conversational may
work for you. If you make complex shapes, (for which CNC is a really
good tool), you will find conversational a very confining method.
Another analogy might be that if you only make parts that require a
conversational program, you may actually be better off with a DRO and
a powerfeed instead of CNC, or CNC at most 2 axes, and use the quill
manually. That is the kind of machine that conversational
programming is really designed for. 2 axes, X and Y. Very low
investment in learning curve, high productivity on holes and slots,
squaring up blocks, flat stock kind of work. Lousy for complex 3D
parts with multiple complex details, like different size drilled
holes that need to be spotted first, angles, tangent fillet blends
etc.


Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService

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