CNC, CNC Line, CNC Machine, CNC Program, CNC Simul

CNC Simulator for CNC Programming

2011-04-14T02:12:00.000-07:00

Want to know that your CNC program is already proper with what you imagine? Use this software. CNC Simulator is a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathe machine simulator. It simulates the path that the tool of a CNC lathe would take for a given program. The simulation is two-dimensional. with provision for final view in 3D using OpenGL.
Its complete with 3D visual simulation.

Screenshot

Sample of desktop

Tool Geometry Offset and Tool Wear Offset

2011-03-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Tool geometry offset and tool wear offset are possible to divide the tool offset to the tool geometry offset for compensating the tool shape or tool mounting position and the tool wear offset for compensating the tool nose wear. The tool geometry offset value and tool wear offset value can be set individually. When these values are not distinguished from each other, the total of the values is set as the tool offset value.

NOTE : Tool geometry offset and tool wear offset are optioned.

Tool Offset in CNC program

2011-03-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

Usually, several tools are used for machining one workpiece. The tools have different tool length. It is very troublesome to change the program in accordance with the tools. Therefore, the length of each tool used should be measured in advance.

By setting the difference between the length of the standard tool and the length of each tool in the CNC machining can be performed without altering the program even when the tool is changed.

This function is called tool offset.

Program CNC configuration in CNC machine (part 2)

2010-11-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

Reffer to the last post in program CNC configuration part 1 here
We will continue to program section configuration, a program section consist of several blocks. A program section starts with a program number and end with a program end code.

Program section configuration                                     Program section
Program number                                                              O0001;
Block 1                                                                           N1 G91 G00 X120.0 Y80.0;
Block 2                                                                           N2 G43 Z-32.0 H01;
Disable execution block                                                   / N3 G00 Z-200.0;
:

Program CNC configuration in CNC machine (part 1)

2010-11-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

There are two types of program in cnc programming, there are main program and subprogram. Normally the CNC operates according to the main program. However, when a command calling a subprogram is encountered in the main program, control is passed to the subprogram. When a command specifiying a return to the main program is ecountered in a subprogram, control is returned to the main program.

List of G Code in CNC programming

2010-11-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

This is the list of G Code in CNC programming, also there is a group number and the function of the G code.

G Code in CNC Programming

2010-11-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

G-codes are also called preparatory codes, and are any word in a CNC program that begins with the letter "G". Generally it is a code telling the machine tool what type of action to perform, such as:
- Rapid move
- Controlled feed move in a straight line or arc
- Series of controlled feed moves that would result in a hole being bored, a workpiece cut (routed) to a specific dimension, or a decorative profile shape added to the edge of a workpiece.
- set tool information such as offset.

GENERAL FLOW OF OPERATING CNC MACHINE

2010-11-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

When machining the part using the CNC machine tool, first prepare the program, then operate the CNC machine by using the program.

1) First, prepare the program from a part drawing to operate the CNC machine tool.
How to prepare the program is described in the Chapter PROGRAMMING.

2) The program is to be read into the CNC system. Then, mount the workpieces and tools on the machine, and operate the tools according to the programming. Finally, execute the machining actually.

Tool coordinate system

2009-11-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

If you want to create a CNC Program, you must know also about tool coordinate system.

Coordinate system

2009-11-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

There are easy ways to remember the coordinate system in programming Cnc.
1. Cartesian Coordinate Systems

2. Right hand rule

Kind of axis coordinate in CNC Machine

2009-11-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Before we go to create a cnc program, we must know that every machine have a axis coordinate.
If the machine only have 3 axis coordinate, then it should be look like this

and axis coordinate in lathe machine, generally look like this

and this

You must know the philosophy of the axis coordinate

Information needed in CNC programming

2009-11-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

There are information needed in CNC programming, such as :

1. Preparatory Information: units, incremental or absolute positioning

2. Coordinates: X,Y,Z, RX,RY,RZ

3. Machining Parameters: Feed rate and spindle speed

4. Coolant Control: On/Off, Flood, Mist

5. Tool Control: Tool and tool parameters

6. Cycle Functions: Type of action required

7. Miscellaneous Control: Spindle on/off, direction of rotation, stops for part movement

This information is conveyed to the machine through a set of instructions arranged in a desired sequence – Program

Information needed by a CNC Machine

2009-11-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

Programming CNC Machines With G-Codes

2009-08-14T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since the industrial revolution started, the demand to create precise instruments and products is an important factor in large scale manufacturing. Belts, screws, Drills and all movable parts needed to create other products in the assembly line must all be exact and compatible, thus extra care must be taken in order to ensure that all moving parts match perfectly. Computer Numerical Controlled programming has become an extremely important part of this process.
Computer Numerical Controlled Machines are useless without any programming. CNCs rely on pure hard codes in order to execute commands that the Machine Operator wants to do, therefore not only is it needed to learn the mechanics of the whole Computer Numerical Controlled Machine but it is also at the utmost importance that the Machine operator knows how to communicate with the machine, and that is by using G-codes.
Preparatory code/ functions or much commonly called as G-codes are functions in the Computer Numerical Control programming language. The G-codes job is to manage the position of the tool as well as control the step by step commands during the actual work. Basically the G-codes are the most important part of the Computer Numerical Control Programming algorithm.
There are other codes involved in the programming of CNCs such as M-codes that manages the machine, T-codes for managing the tools, and F-codes for the tool feed and tool speed controls. All of these codes are created in a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
G codes as well as the others use the RS-274D as the recommended standard for the Computer Numerical Controlled Machines. This standard was developed by the Electronic Industry association during the 1960s. These standards provide a basis for the creation of Computer Numerical Controlled Programs.
First designs of these standards came from punched paper tapes as the medium standard for data interchange, but now ASCII character bit patterns are the standard for the representation.
G-Codes
Lets discuss the g-codes further, as what I have said earlier G- codes constitute only a part of the Computer Numerical Control Program, in the whole programming algorithm, they are denoted by the letter G, Basically it is a code telling the machine what kinds of actions to perform in a step by step basis, examples of these actions would be rapid move, controlled feed moves that would bore holes, a work piece cut routed to a specific dimension, change a pallet, and set a tool information such as offset.
After creating each part of the codes, the algorithm is compiled in the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. The CAM software basically use translators called post processors to output the code optimized for a certain machine type. Often times, post-processors are often used to allow users to enable further customization.
G-codes can also be used to create outputs for Computer Aided Design systems used to design printed circuit boards (PCB). Any software must be customized for each type of machine tool that it will be used to program. Some G-codes are written by hand for volume production jobs.
Some Computer Numerical Controlled machines use conversational programming. Conversational programming is an easier way to program CNC machines because it is more user friendly because it uses a wizard like program that hides the G-codes into plain view. Some Popular examples of this kind of CNC machines are the Southwestern Industries Proto TRAK, Mazaks Mazatrol, and Mori Seikis CAPS conversational software.
Conclusion
With these kinds of further sophistication in programming Computer Numerical Controlled Machines, it is expected in the future that programming would be much easier for its machine operators.

Understanding CNC - Computer Numerical Control

2009-08-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked yourself how machines in a factory know exactly when to stop making the parts theyre supposed to make? Well, this is all because of Computer Numerical Control (CNC). But to understand CNC, you have to know what Numerical Control (NC) is.
HISTORY
NC machines were first introduced after the 2nd world war as mass production became the trend. These machines were given a set of instructions in punched cards. However, these machines were hard-wired and their parameters were difficult to change.
These NC machines still required a great deal of human intervention. To illustrate this point, try to take a look at a drill press. A lot of actions have to be taken in order to manufacture a product. The process is actually so complicated that a person has to do something almost every step of the production process. This created an avenue for errors to take place as the likelihood of fatigue increased with the quantity growth.
CNC then came into the picture when computers were introduced. Punched cards were replaced by floppy disks, cables, and other software transfer media. This made it easier to manage and edit data.
Production and manufacturing were revolutionized by the increased automation of CNC machines. These machines allowed a degree of added control over the quality and consistency of the components that were manufactured without any additional strain on the operators. This reduced the frequency of errors and allowed the operators time to perform additional tasks. Furthermore, this automation allowed a greater degree of flexibility in the way components are held in the manufacturing process.
With the advent of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), even programming CNC machines is a snap. These programs actually take the bulk of the programming process to make the operation less tedious. However, to be an effective programmer of CNC machines, you have to know what the machine youre working on will be doing. That is why machinists are often the best people for the job.
The ease that the machines provide is hinged heavily on the quality of the machine. Low-cost CNC machines oftentimes have many functions that have to be manually activated. High-cost machines, however, are almost fully automated. The operator only has to load or unload workpieces. Once the cycle has been initiated, the operator just has to sit back and watch for any malfunctions. The stress on the operator is so low that some even complain of boredom in the middle of a cycle.
CODING
The programming language that CNC uses is called a G-Code. These codes actually position the parts and do the work. To be able to have a machine work properly, you have to input the correct variables such as axes, reference points, the machine accessories, and whatnot. Every machine has a different set of variables so you have to be careful to take note of the differences.
Aside from the G-Code, logical commands or parametric programming can be used to make the process more time-efficient. This type of programming language shortens lengthy programs with incremental passes. A loop can also be programmed thereby removing the need for coding repetitions.
Because of these features, parametric programming is more efficient than CAM. It allows users to directly and efficiently make performance adjustments. It also allows extensions to the functionality of the machine it is running on.
And that makes CNC.

NC or CNC

2009-08-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

CNC or known as Computer Numerical Control, is program to used in operating a process.

Numerical control (NC) refers to the automation of machine tools that are operated by abstractly programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, as opposed to manually controlled via handwheels or levers, or mechanically automated via cams alone. The first NC machines were built in the 1940s and '50s, based on existing tools that were modified with motors that moved the controls to follow points fed into the system on paper tape. These early servomechanisms were rapidly augmented with analog and digital computers, creating the modern computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools that have revolutionized the design process.