Do I need macro programming in future

[koppis]

Hi, I studying nc programming. I'm interesting bouth, cad/cam and macro programming. But one of my teachers thinking that the macros is past technique and I don't really need stydy it. I didn't directly agree that. Can somebody cad/cam specialist tell, do I need macro programmin in future?

[psychomill]

Macro programming lost a lot of steam when the drive memory of the machine controller got larger. Then, add to that with the advent of CAD/CAM systems, macro functions and cycles went away too. Hell, you don't even really need to know math to program a part anymore.

But, I highly recommend that macro programming remain a part of your scope for the future. There are many reasons why. Machine tools still utilize macros in some function of machining whether you realize it or not. Common functions like tool change and pallet change still use macro sub calls and/or variables to operate. Many machine tools have tool probes and/or touch probes (inspection probes) which also use macros to operate. Knowledge of system variables and user variables are key in using the probes fully.

Even macros at the simplest level is very useful for things like translating offsets, part counting, conditional statements for "special operations" while machining, serial number counters for engraving, etc. From there, more advanced things will come like probe programming, custom canned cycles and program loops, calculating and compensating for angles/rotation for complex part shapes or parts that do not have repeatable loading (such as castings or forgings), etc.

In the last (nearly) couple decades, macros has become considered by many as "dinosaur" methodoligy, .... antiquated. That is far from the truth! In general, the ones that make these statements (as I have found), are the ones that lack the understanding of what they (personally) really do. In one way or another, you're going to be utilizing macros whether you know it or not. Macro programming is a very powerful tool to have and know. Can you make money without knowing macros?... Yes, you can. Can you make parts without knowing macros?... Yes, you can. And there are plenty of good programmers and machinists out there who have little or no understanding of macros. But these are the same guys that when they do finally pickup some understanding macros and its potential usage, they more often than not think "now why didn't I learn this a long time ago?".

[koppis]

Thanks for very exhaustive answer. I will keep using macros.

[Mike Mattera]

psychomill is right on the money. Macros were required to save programming memory space & make editing simpler. With all of the PC based controls memory is not an issue. With all of the NC programming going right from Cad model to Cam to NC code editing is not done at the machine (as much) anymore.

But.... Macros are cool and fun. A little mental gymnastics using loops and counters to step and repeat a toolpath. It's truly amazing what you can do with a 20 line NC/macro program.

Mike Mattera