drip-feed mechanism in CNC

[sudha]

CAN ANYBODY GIVE ME THE INFORMATION REGARDING DRIPFEED MECHANISM i.e. NC program transfer from PC to CNC Machine.

 

[dandrews]

I'm not sure what you mean.  If you are connecting to the RS232, you need the port settings in the manual.  The easiest way to transfer files to and from the CNC machine is using the floppy or a Deco box.  To completely run the machine from the PC (something which I was interested in, but really nobody can do) via the RS232 for a DNC connection (I believe that's the name, it's been 7 years) you are limited to the length of the cable (the signal won't travel accross the entire shop because of line noise) and if you are attempting to connect more than one machine (typically) you have to have switch boxes etc.  It really isn't worth the time.

 

[sudha]

Hi Dandrews<br><br>Thanks for the information. I am actually a Mechanical Engineer working as CAD/CAM Engineer. My Job is to model the parts of Dies/Moulds and generate the Manufacturing Code using CAD/CAM Software. Presently I am using MasterCAM.<br><br>&nbsp;What actually I mean is Will There be any adjustment for transfering the data through RS232 port to the CNC machine and control the rate of transfer (i.e. slow or fast) apart from the Baud rate setting through any CAM Software. I am using MasterCAM for the transfer of NC program from the PC to CNC Machine but my production incharge says that the data transfer is very slow and I also wanted to know if the rate of transfer effects the Surface Finish.

 

[LTD]

Suda,<br><br>The data transfer (DNC) &quot;Direct Numerical Control&quot; you speak of is really important.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've been in this game over 20 years and in molds and dies it REALLY matters.<br><br>How fast you need you link to be is most often limited by your CNC machine - so go as fast as it can.<br><br>New CNC machines can read blocks really quickly, so you might want to consider &quot;ethernet&quot; if your machine can handle it. I just installed an ethernet machine connection and it's a big help<br><br>If you're stuck with serial, use xmodem or some other error correcting protocol !!!<br><br>If you machine has a disk drive, I usually find floppy drives and &quot;sneaker-net&quot; (you put on running shoes and run the floppy out to the machine) to be faster for larger files - of course Zip drives etc help even more for larger files.<br><br>If you have fast DNC then you don't need to store the file on the machine in most situations.<br><br>If someone has just &quot;thrown you to the lions&quot; with CNC/DNC CAD/CAM, and you and your company survive, You're one tough guy!<br><br>Good Luck!<br>Larry

 

[nikchris]

Dear Sudha
The speed of the drip feed mechanism to a cnc machine is very related by the type of the control of the cnc you are using. Usually the problem with the drip-feed is the gups(delay time) between blocks. Some controls, like Heidenhain, has the abillity by an M code to eliminate this problem. It would be very helpfull if you could tell me the control you are using.
Best Regards
Chris