Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: G_Code sharing

In a message dated 4/29/2004 11:12:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
DougR@... writes:
Group,

For years I've been harping about the advantages of commercial
controllers because this type of stuff is built into the control.
Use the appropriate canned cycle (that's what these are called),
input the parameters to match your project and off you go. The
control's built-in canned cycles have an advantage over the off-line
programming in that they utilize the machine's tool table to access
cutter diameter/length data while cutting. The controller, then,
automatically uses cutter radius compensation. The operator can
tweak a part feature to exact size, if needed, by simply adjusting
the tool table's diameter or length values.

Another major advantage of canned cycles is the
readability/understandability of the program. In a few lines of
code you accomplish tasks that require hundreds and hundreds of
lines of code if generated off-line. Modifying/tuning the programs
becomes simple when you aren't dealing all those lines of code.

Of the CNC machining in my shop, we do the vast majority of
production programming working off prints right at the machine using
canned cycles to simplify the process. Maybe 5% of the time the
part will have a contour/feature that's not easily done with a
canned cycle, then we program it off-line with CAM.

IMO, the hobby type controls (EMC, etc) would be made much more
powerful by the addition of a variety of canned cycles beyond the
typical drilling type. Of course, this involves substantial
programming on the control-author's part.
Most of the medium to higher priced CAD/CAM programs have these same
features. If you want to pocket, you select the pocket feature, if you want to make a
bolt circle or do some boring/drilling they have those functions as well.
The better CAD/CAM programs actually have the ability to use the canned cycles
built into the proprietary controllers. Packages such as Master Cam, Alpha
Cam, and Dolphin Cam can utilize the existing canned cycles in that they all have
true post processing ability. You can customize the output code by writing a
custom post processor for them. There are others out there, of course, that
can also do the same thing.

However, I do agree that, at this point, most of the "hobby" G-Code
interpreters just can't do what the proprietary controllers can. The companies that
manufacture the proprietary controllers, such as Fanuc, NUM, Fagor, just have
too much experience in that one field so they are bound to do it better. One
can purchase a pretty nice control from companies like Fagor for as little as
around $4,000.00 USD with 2-1/2 axis ability. In fact I am sure there are
others out there even cheaper. Most of these controls will still have the canned
cycles too.

Randy Abernathy
4626 Old Stilesboro Road NW
Acworth, GA 30101-4066
Phone / Fax: 770-974-5295
Cell: 678-772-4113
E-mail: Cnc002@...

I furnish technical support, repair, and other related services for your
industrial woodworking machinery. My background as Senior Service Engineer for the
SCMI Group for nearly fifteen years with factory training, combines with my
extensive background in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, electrical and CNC
machinery to offer you needed support for your machinery.


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