Posts Tagged ‘programming’
Programming 101: CNC
After World War II, people realized that they have to manufacture goods at a faster rate and at a lower cost. Hence, mass production trending came to be. Those events led to the development of the Numerical Control (NC) machines which in turn led to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC).
HOW TO PROGRAM A CNC MACHINE
CNC programming uses a code similar in structure to BASIC. So, if you know how to construct a simple counting program, chances are, you already know what a G-Code looks like. However, there a few other things you have to consider before you start encoding instructions.
The first thing that you have to do is to assign values for each of the variables. These variables include the programmable motion directions (axes), and the reference point for the axes. The values that you assign to these variables dictate the movement of the machine.
The next thing that you have to do is to take into account the accessories of the machine. Many machines have accessories that are designed to enhance the capabilities of the basic device. However, using these accessories requires you to include them in the coding system. This means that if you want a more efficient machine, you will have to know the machine inside out.
READING CODES
After those steps, you have to create a subprogram that will deal with the math. This step will then allow your machine to compute the necessary variables and effectively operate without stopping to ask the operator what the limitations are.
To show you what these codes look like, here’s an example from Wikipedia:
#100=3 (bolt circle radius)
#101=10 (how many holes)
#102=0 (x position of ctr of bolthole)
#103=0 (y position of ctr of bolthole)
#104=0 (angle of first hole
Tool call,
spindle speed,and offset pickup,etc
G43 in some cases (tool length pickup)
G81(drill cycle)
call sub program
N50
G80
M30
Subprogram
N100
#105=((COS#104)*#100) (x location)
#106=((SIN#104)*#100) (y location)
x#105 y#106 (remember your G81 code is modal)
If #100 GT 360 goto N50
#100=(#100+(360/#101))
Goto 100
In the code above, the machine is a drill. The operator utilized a loop in order to keep the machine from stopping. The subprogram then governs the cycle of the machine. This code is still quite a simple code. Other machines require the inclusion of the maximum RPM in the coding.
An easier way of programming CNC machines would be the use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). This system takes on the brunt of programming so that it doesn’t seem so tedious and frustrating. It is still similar to BASIC.
Another programming enhancement that was developed was the parametric programs or the logical commands. These programs were designed to shorten lengthy codes in order to make them user friendly. However, these codes do not always use the same language with every machine. The language and sequence often varies depending on the typ of machine you will be working on.
The operator has to know what the machine can do or what it was made to do before attempting to program it. You should be able to visualize the machine doing what you want it to do.
But, you don’t have to be a math wizard or a programming genius. You just have to know what your machine does and what you want it to do.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: code, computer numerical control, machine, necessary variables, programming, spindle speed | 
No Comments »
CNC Basics E-Course 5 | CNC Control | Learn CNC Control …
Day 5 is all about CNC Control. CNC Control is made up of three parts. The CNC Control Computer, CNC Control Software and the actually CNC Controller.
The CNC Control Computer can be basic and inexpensive. The computer will live in a harsh environment that includes dust and dirt.
The CNC Control Software is what processes the G-Code program we made in the last step. You load it in and when you are ready, start the program.
The actual CNC Controller has drivers in it and translates the signals from the control program into motion. It sends the signals on to stepper or servo motors that move the various axis
All together these pieces can cost a lot or a little. You can also cut down the cost if you build the cnc controller yourself.
Tomorrow we machine. This is where the chips fly.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:9:53
CNC Basics E-Course 1 | CNC Basics Steps | Learn CNC | CNC
Here is the first video in the Learn CNC Basics E-Course from www.CNCInformation.com.
This video outline what the e-course is and what it covers. The video also talks about the 5 steps to working with CNC. The steps are CNC Design, CAD, CAM, Control and Machineing.
Every CNC project has these steps and they must be followed in that order. This gives the beginner a basic framework to hang their new CNC Information on. As the beginner learn they can think about these 5 steps and where the new information fits.
The next video in the E-Course is CNC Design.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:4:54
CNC Basics E-Course 4 | CAM | Learn CAM Video | CAD/CAM …
Here on the 4th day we talk about CAM. CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. During the CAM step of the CNC Process we use software to define how our CNC Machine should move.
There are a number of CAM Software packages on the market. They range from the inexpensive to expensive. Much of the cost depends on the number of Axis’s that the CAM Software has.
With the CAM Software we define things like stock, location, tooling, feed and speeds and the post processor we will use.
The post processor is very specific to our CNC Machine. It outputs g-code. We use the G-Code program in our control software next.
Tomorrow’s Lesson is CNC Control.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:9:31
CNC Basics E-Course 6 | CNC Machining | Learn CNC …
On Day 6 we learn about CNC Machining. This is where the rubber hits the road. Before this, we did virtually everything on the computer. Now we move into the real world. Machining is about removing material from a piece of stock until we finalize our parts.
One thing we learn is that manual machining and cnc machining have similar issues. There is coolant, chips dust and dirt no matter if you are operating the machine or the computer is operating the machine.
CNC Machining safety is important during this step. We need to wear safety glasses, protective equipment and appropriate shoes.
There are many different types of CNC Machines and types of machining. There are CNC Routers, cnc lathes, cnc mills, cnc plasma cutters and on an on. Each of these types of machines operates in different ways and you must learn their differences to be effective.
Tomorrow we go over various CNC Produced Parts and Projects. We look at the outcome of all out work and some of the possibilities.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:8:19
CNC Basics E-Course 3 | CAD | Learn CAD Video | CAD/CAM Tips
In this CNC Basics Video we go over CAD. CAD Stands for Computer Aided Design. During the CAD step we take our initial design and translate it into the computer. We do this CNC Step so we can change the design, resize it, save it, transfer it to someone else, etc. Recording our CNC Design into CAD gives us flexibility.
During CAD we learn we first design parts, then assemblies, then groups, then machines. We also learn there are different types of CAD Software. 2D, 2.5D and 3D. These types also come in different software packages from inexpensive to expensive. You can spend up to the sky if you want.
The trick is to match the CAD Software Capabilites with your CNC Needs. You don’t need high power 3D Modeling CAD if you make simple parts day in and day out.
Tomorrow’s lesson is CAM. Computer Aided Manufacturing.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:8:43
CNC Basics E-Course 7 | Final CNC Projects | Learn CNC …
This is the 7th and final day of the Learn CNC Basics E-Course. Today is a fun day where we look at a few different CNC projects and what we can do with CNC Technology. There are CNC Parts we look at and CNC Art pieces we look at. There are CNC Plasma, CNC Router, CNC Mill and CNC Lathe projects that are discussed.
Next, we talk about CNC Information. CNC Information is a community site that connects people who have a passion for CNC. There are CNC Blogs, CNC Profiles, CNC Articles and CNC Forums. You can join up for free and also get a Free G-Code Quick Guide if you do.
Come on over and join up today!
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:9:42
CNC Stomp Pad 8 | Sanding & Spikes | CNC Videos
During this CNC Video Segment we sand our CNC Stomp Pad with a Dual Action (DA) sander. We are taking out any deep scratches and giving it a matte finish. The CNC Plasma Cut part then is taken over to a stand. We look at different traction spikes and how they will look. After selecting a spike type, we start laying them out. We layout some marks where we will drill holes in the next video.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:4:59
CNC Stomp 1 – CNC Project Introduction – Learn CNC Cutting
CNC Project that is shot in a tutorial sequence. It goes from the Design, CAD, CAM, Control, CNC Plasma Cutting and then final assembly. Check out this CNC How-To.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:3:36
CNC Stomp Pad 7 | Part Grinding | CNC Plasma Video Tutorial
When you cut something out with a plasma cutter there is slag left over you have to remove. This slag is officially called “dross” when it come to plasma cutting. In this video we rough grind the cnc stomp pad to remove the dross. I call it rough grind because later we will use a DA Sander to smooth it all out.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:2:19
