The minefield of CNC software

[darrylh]

I have a Mill with a Fanuc OM-Mate control and have invested countless hours trialling CNC software. To date, Mastercam 9, Alphacam 5 and now Edgecam 9. M and A do not have post-processors for the OM, but I was told the 6M processor would work - it does not, splits up any upload into multiple progs (whenever a sub-routine shows in the upload) and halts part-way through a prog for no apparent reason. 2 of the CAD packages are hand-downs from engineers I know that found they had outgrown it (and now use Rhino), so these packages came free. Alphacam is 1500 GBP. Naturally, I am pursuing the no-cost packages but I know Alphacam does iundeed have a PP for Fanuc OM and any uploaded progs run unhindered. However, before parting with my hard-earned money, I am painfully aware of endless stories of engineers using many different cadcams depending on the work they are doing - and not one seems to do all. Having just bought the machine I have limited funds for cadcam and don't want to pour money down the drain on no-hopers (like the 2 engineers I know have done). My work is essentially 2-D plate cutting and I am looking for a single cadcam to do it, with an OM post. It seems not a lot to ask!
Would be interested in hearing from anyone in the same situation or anyone that has been through 'the mill' and solved this frustrating scenario.

[Alan B]

If the control is splitting the programs on subroutines it is assuming M99 is the end of the program and starting a new program for the line afterwards. Check parameter 19 bit 6 :-
1 = M02, M30, and M99 command the end of registration.
0 = M02, M30, and M99 do not command the end of registration.
Change to 0 if needed and put a '%' at the end of your program to finish the registration. i.e
M05
M30
%
Alan B

[BlueChip]

Maybe an alternative to the whole CAD/CAM scene ... KipwareM from www.KentechInc.com ... produces FANUC code out of the box with no post processor needed.

[HuFlungDung]

Being a OneCNC user myself, I've never been into this 'buy a post processor' scene. Now it takes some understanding of what should be done so far as safe machine operation is concerned, but customizing a post is not difficult to do in OneCNC. No ransom required Of course, the post only works within OneCNC, which bears looking into in your search for the cadcam system you will settle on.

[darrylh]

Any experience of the Kipware? It is modestly priced but I expect it is has to be better than Mastercam (which I was quoted 4000 GBP for!).

[turmite]

darrylh

I saw you mention Rhino and wanted to let you know that there is a cam plugin available for Rhino v3 called Madcam. It has a OM post in it because I just looked. I have no idea if you need a modeler like Rhino or not, but the combo sure does work for me.

Mike

[DareBee]

Rhino also has RhinoCAM available from MecSoft Corporation.