I used to be a Fanuc enthusiast. Until I found a better CNC control... I have spent more time hassling with memory than I care to admit. In the Mold machining Industry, 3D programs are big, step overs are small and high speed motion is critical to success. Without small step overs or tiny scallop height settings in CAM we lose accuracy and rely too much on hand finishing. This is where a CNC control like the Rubicon can shine against so many others. Smooth, accurate high speed motion. Not all CNC HSM is the same. It is shocking to see the performance difference just by changing the control.
I remember the Okuma control; it was good, but out of business today. This is what can happen to a CNC machine builder even as in this case Okuma was a premium CNC machine tool builder.
As for training operators, I hear what you're saying, it is a hassle.
But, I have found the simpler the control, the less hassle you have.
I have evolved in my expectation of the CNC machine control. I used to consider bells and whistles important. Now, what is important to me is accurate, smooth motion control, if it cannot deliver on this expectation, what good are bells and whistles like multi tasking, back ground editing, graphic tool tables, not to mention internet access. I mean I did not buy a CNC machine for that stuff, I use a 400 dollar PC on the bench next to the machine for all that.
If you don't have accurate results from your CNC control, maybe it's time to replace it.
Sincerely,
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Scott_bob |