Paths and Experimentation

I have been a long time lurker here. I don't think I have posted
much as I do not have any CNC equipment yet. But I do have high
hopes.

I do have an observation on the need to experiment with different
paths for the fastest machining time. I use an old Panasonic 24 pin
printer at work. It can print a complete line in about 1.5 seconds.
But an interrupted line with far less characters or graphics to print
can take 5 seconds or even longer. Why? Because it tries to fast
forward to the next location where it will print and then it must
back up a bit and approach it at the normal printing. The constant
fast forward/back up/slower print cycle takes a lot longer than just
going at the slower printing speed for the entire line. It used to
drive me totally nuts but I guess I'm accoustomed to it now.

It seems to me that if a CNC system is programmed to always approach
a hole from the same side to eliminate backlash, then the "shorter"
zig-zag path could take longer while going back to the far left or
right hole could be faster. Yes, I can certainly understand the need
to experiment. The Panasonic engineers certainly should have.

Paul A.