CNC confusion
CNC confusion
(OP)
OK it looks like we have a cnc miller in the works (first one) and I am completely confused about the operation. Do CAM manufactures MasterCAM, etc. strictly run off imported drawings? Or can you create parts in the CAM program itself without CAD? After creating the "g" code with the CAM program, is this enough or do you know need a seperate post-processor?? The machine is a milltronics RH30
Thanks
Thanks





RE: CNC confusion
The post processor is normally part of the CAM program. It creates the G-code after you define all the operations. A post processor for your control should come with the CAM system, or at least be available at small extra cost. Some CAM systems let you create or modify the post processors yourself.
Software For Metalworking
http://mrainey.freeservers.com
RE: CNC confusion
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Software For Metalworking
http://mrainey.freeservers.com
RE: CNC confusion
RE: CNC confusion
I wouldn't do any coding at the machine controller since it's not efficient.
Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 3.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
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"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi
RE: CNC confusion
MasterCAM can do a little CAD, I think, but it's optimized for working _from_ CAD files. It needs a postprocessor to generate the right G-code files for a Milltronics mill, and a different postprocessor to generate the right G-codes for, e.g. a Haas mill.
You _can_ do programming right at the machine, and you can make changes right at the machine. It's fast, but it's dangerous, because you need to have the institutional discipline to make accurate markups, go back and change the CAD model, and find and update all the stored files in between that and the part. Stopping the machine and waiting for a change to ripple down from the CAD model is safe, but expensive.
You need to get your process straight in _everyone_'s head.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA