Using Camsoft and OneCNC?

[HKgunslinger]

I may be confused here, but can I retrofit an older CNC with a CamSoft control, that will integrate with my OneCNC software? Just started looking into CamSoft, and not sure if its a complete locked-in system CAD/CAM/Machine Control, or a workable, open type, with their controls workable with other CAD/CAM software. Thank you

'Slinger out.

[DSL PWR]

CamSoft is a "front end", meaning that it is the software and interface to motion control cards in a pc. You should be able to get a post configured in OneCNC to work with the camsoft control. Send Huflungdung a pm, as I think he has a lathe with a camsoft retrofit.

[Karl_T]

OneCNC, like all CAM software, communicates to machine controls through a POST that converts the output to Gcode.

The default Camsoft setup files (.cbk) are generally closest to a Fanuc control. So, you'll choose one of the Fanuc (there are many) as your POST. This will get you 90% of the way.

All the Camsoft G and M codes are fully configurable. You'll have to program all the M codes but you should find similar examples. There will also be some Gcodes to modify. its hard to generalize here, each machine is different. Most are easy, but a couple can be a real bugger. (My hardest to date was lathe multi-pass threading with G76)

My son programs for my machines with Mastercam. I must admit that even after several years of using Camsoft, I still hand edit the begining of Mastercam generated files. Somebody that knows how to edit the POST could fix these minor issues.

Karl

[HuFlungDung]

To tell the truth, I'm not sure about getting a no-hassle post to work with the requirements of the Camsoft system. Implementing the G8/G9 or G63/G64(?) to turn on high speed smoothing could be a bit of a headache. We've got one guy on the OneCNC user forum who is currently trying various things to make this work.

The problem is that these unique gcodes need to be inserted on the first and last lines of every chain of G1 moves for Camsoft to implement them properly. You might need a more user configurable post system than we have in OneCNC for this to work properly.

I have never written a program using Camsoft's CAM system, so I do not know if they themselves have seamlessly integrated these unique gcodes into their AS3000 CADCAM. But the AS3000 CADCAM is definitely expensive and probably a bit dated in functionality. I know of no one who uses it.

[Ben Olson]

on my Camsoft retrofit ( OKK MCV 500 ) I have to replace all G01's with G10's if I try to run a program with G01 the machine acts very skittish and faults out ( either freezes or makes an uncommanded move ) so to say the least I am VERY careful about editing my programs . an uncommanded move on a sherline or some other hobby machine is a bummer , a move like that on an 18,000 lb 50 taper OKK is another matter altogether

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by Ben Olson so to say the least I am VERY careful about editing my programs . an uncommanded move on a sherline or some other hobby machine is a bummer , a move like that on an 18,000 lb 50 taper OKK is another matter altogether

I hear ya. I haven't crashed my 16,000 lb. Mazak M4 <yet>. The idea of running a several 1000 lb. carriage into a several hunred lb. chuck plus part is SCARY.

FWIW, I had the exact same issue. the folks at Camsoft helped me with tolerance and blend and maybe something else to solve this. G10 just adds a DECELSTOP command. if you're happy with your machine using G10, i'd just modify your G01 to have this command also.

Karl

[AKFALAR]

We use this combination on a 2-axis waterjet. Works just fine.

As Hu said you have to craft the POST carefully but once thats done its cool.

AS 3000 is not cool however! we used it for atleast 2-years before finding our that there are alot better cam packages out there.



CAMSOFT in general is very configurable thus somewhat of a learning curve. I do not like their documentation or their attitude for support. But in the end it is a professional solution.