Huge Newbie Question - can Arrow 750 with 2100 be able to load G code from CAM?

[jimi 580]

I know this is probably a really stupid question, however we are just getting into CNC machining and are looking at a used 1997 Arrow 750 with 2100 acramatic. We want to be able to take our solidworks 3D models and then use a CAM software to generate the G codes, (maybe solidcam or similar). We have a CNC repair tech going to check over the machine fully, so that should tell us its condition.

If we get the proper post processor for our CAM software, the arrow should have no problem loading and running any G codes we generate, yes?

It has a Cincinnati 4th axis as well, would anybody know if that is a coordinated axis, or just an indexer type of axis? DL-10-D 5130-1 is the number on it.

If anyone has the patience to answer this green thumb I'd greatly appreciate it, I've searched every forum and thread looking for the concrete answer and haven't found anything. I'm embarrased to even be asking these questions, but I really need to know.

Thanks for your help.

[txcncman]

Your repair tech should be able to more fully answer these questions for you. Does the machine have an RS-232 communications port? Are the port settings correct in the machine parameters? Does the RS-232 communications function properly? As long as the answers to all the above questions is yes, you should be good to go.

[jimi 580]

Perfect, thank you, those are the questions I need to ask during the inspection.

[Rick Kight]

You should be able to set the 2100 control up on your shop computer network (ethernet)

[John_B]

You should be able to set the 2100 control up on your shop computer network (ethernet)

Definitely, go this route! The CNC software is actually running on the D drive partition, and the C drive partition that we're all used to seeing is what you'll see if you network your machine - that way there's less chance of screwing up operating system files. From the CNC it looks like there are 2 drives, you transfer the file from the C drive to the active memory to run it - which actually moves it onto the D drive. This is well worth the time and trouble to set up over serial communications!!!!

[jimi 580]

Thank you for the advice, we have a small shop so it won't be too hard to set up with ethernet. Going to meet with the tech this thursday, so we'll see what condition the machine is in, and whether the 4th works and is co-ordinated with the other axis.

[G0G90]

We also have an older 750 Arrow with a 2100 on it.
We currently use Mastercam X5 .. and really don't have a "worthy" post for it.
The Acromat is a unique animal - to your standard Fanuc. The codes are "similar" but, as you mentioned this is your introduction to CNC - shouldn't be a problem. One note; the books SUCK! They're not as bad as some Japanese builders' but, can be quite confusing with real limited examples. Most of my experience is by trial and error. WHICH, makes the post structure difficult.

The machine will DEFINATELY run G-Code from a CAM system. And, you're right about the post. Put some effort on that - and good luck!

p.s. Our 4th axis is a true 4th but, we really only use it as an indexer.