Need help learning

[MBG]

Hello, I have been operating CNC machines for about 2+ years now. I want to learn more about the programming of CNC machines. I went to night school to learn it but it didn't teach me much.


How can I learn it at home?


Please help.. I am currently a cnc operator at a shop that has only one machine so asking somebody at work is not an option.


thanks a lot

[ger21]

Do you want to learn CAM software, or programming manually?

[spencer313]

I recommend Peter Smid's books... CLICK HERE

[easyking001]

hi MBG
please check out universalclass.com online course for cnc, their courses cost about 100 dollars. also tooling university online courses but they are much expensive.
regards
easyking001

[MBG]

Do you want to learn CAM software, or programming manually?

That is what I had a question about. All the programmers use some type of cad program to program correct? Also, I have seen people just manually type in programs.

Can both be done?


I would perfer to learn how to program manually.

[bugzpulverizer]

I would suggest you learn how to program manually first, then move on to cad/cam. I was an operator, and just by looking at the programs, I taught myself how to program at the machine. Easy parts at first, then after about 5 years of programming at the machine I was up to doing some easy surface machining. You also would have to have a pretty good mathematical background (mostly trigonometry.) Also, learn all the codes and their applications. Every day you will teach yourself something new. Then when you finally get to cad/cam, you will be able to know what g-code the post processor will spit out before it does it. Oh, I almost forgot, look up the term "cartesian coordinate system." Everything you will do will be based on that. Good luck.

[orizaba]

I learned the g-code first (really I'm still learning)I did the geometry and drawings by hand. I switched to a conversational mill control and Bobcad/Cam. After I worked through a "few" bugs in the software, I use the Cad/Cam and LOVE it.

( I just got the bugs worked out last night with the help of guys on this site)

[MBG]

I would suggest you learn how to program manually first, then move on to cad/cam. I was an operator, and just by looking at the programs, I taught myself how to program at the machine. Easy parts at first, then after about 5 years of programming at the machine I was up to doing some easy surface machining. You also would have to have a pretty good mathematical background (mostly trigonometry.) Also, learn all the codes and their applications. Every day you will teach yourself something new. Then when you finally get to cad/cam, you will be able to know what g-code the post processor will spit out before it does it. Oh, I almost forgot, look up the term "cartesian coordinate system." Everything you will do will be based on that. Good luck.

I am a mechanical engineering student so everything you are talking about is familiar math wise..


Also, I have been looking at the programs. I kind of know how it works with the x and z (on a lathe) that is what I do now.. but it is soo confusing

[MBG]

Can you program with Autocad?

[BlueChip]

Learning G code programming can never hurt. CAM may produce the code but you'll be miles ahead if you can look at the code and know what it's gonna do ... not to mention the ability to "tweak" it to make it more effective.

Another option to consider .... KipwareEDU ... info at www.KentechInc.com

Good luck ... whichever way you go !!!

[bugzpulverizer]

Right now, I just pull our Autocad files into Mastercam and create toolpaths, and geometry in Mastercam. Most cad/cam software will let you do that. Since you are an engineer, and have been through the hell that is called "Differential Equations 101" you will pick this stuff up in no time. good luck.

[MBG]

I recommend Peter Smid's books... CLICK HERE

Is this book really good? I don't really learn to much from reading out of books..


I might be intersted in purchasing the book though.