Fanuc 20T software versions

[SpringKing]

I have a Nardini lathe with a Fanuc 20t control on it. The software version is the basic one the better version allows for more steps in the conversational programs. Know I can only program 3 steps, in the better software version the number of steps alllowed are way mor than this. I know because the machine that I trained on had the good software version. I wondered how hard is it to upgrade the softawre version on this Control? Does it take special equipment?

[remtool]

Did you find out anything about upgrading? These orphan machines are hardly a bargain. I havn't run mine much, but sometimes I Bobcad the profile and teach the threads. I think OneCNC would probably make it run as good as most, but it's hard to justify on these onesee twosee lathes

[SpringKing]

I,ve used mine quite a bit, and use BobCad to program any harder parts. It is a good machine. I've got a tool changer mouted on mine, thta has made it much more productive. The only complaint I have is with the conversational roughing screen, I can only program 3 steps, where the upgraded version can program dozens of steps. Like I said I use Bob Cad and it works OK but doing it at the macinr would be much better. I have compared my special setting parameters against a machine that has the upgrade and it is not just a matter of changing a parameter. I can't afford to pay Fanuc $2500.00 or whatever ridiculous price it would cost to have them send a engineer out and upgrade it.

Tom

[ktb100]

Our 20T allows us to program "G" code as well as the conversational. For multiple step roughing, I use G71, G72 and G70 for finishing. Does your control allow this as well?

[remtool]

Hi ktb100,
I havn't used mine very much, so I'm glad to see the activity on this subject. I use Bobcad to rough and profile and conversational to thread. It appears that mine (circa 1995) doesn't support G76. I fooled around with G32 a couple of years ago but found it easier to hodgepodge a a hybrid.

I could use some help trying to understand the rpm function. I have A,B,C and 1,2,3 handles and a two speed motor. Normally I program M3S500 and then use whatever speed seems to work best on average without changing speeds again. Any help would be appreciated.

Glen

[ktb100]

For threading, you MUST NOT be in constant surface feet per min (G96)

T0101 (THREADING-TOOL)
G97 S____ M3 (USE CONSTANT SPEED / RPM)
G0 X2.100 Z0.200

Feel free to email me @ Kirk@jmtmachinery.com or call 502-558-0843.