Newbie- CNC over view

[apollo_65]

Hi I am new to CNC but not new to the use of machining equipment could some one give me a high level explanation of the steps to go from a CAD drawing to machine ready cut of a new part and the different software pieces that would be required?

Thanks!!

[harley4ever]

Some systems are just CAD. Some are just CAM. Then some are both CAD and CAM. What I do personally is use Dolphin cad cam for my drawings and machine. The best and simplest way to describe it is, design you're part in the cad. Once you have done so, you pass it over to the CAM side to set up you're machining operations. Simulate it and make sure everything looks ok. Then select you're post processor, I personally use mach 3. You will need some sort of controller software. Mach 3 is pretty cheap and nice.

[Al_The_Man]

I don't know about High Level, but a general summary is:
It usually starts with CAD that Draughts an exact replica of the the part required.
Then it is passed to CAM program where the details are entered of the parameters of the machining process which could take into account such things as Tool Details, diameters, types of material used, climb mill, conventional, and such thing as pocket mill methods etc.
The next step is the Post-Processor, this takes the CAM file and converts it to the required G-code/M-code file that is peculiar to the make/model of machine the program will be run on.
In some cases the Post-Processor file includes a Modem program to communicate the file directly to the machine.
Al.

[apollo_65]

So just to be straight
1. Create the part with the CAD software.
2. Port the part file to the CAM software to setup the machine operations.
3. Port the CAM file to the post-processor software to convert it to G/M code.
4. Finally upload post-processor file to machine tool to begin part creation.

Also from what you gentlemen said, there are individual software packages that can do all those functions or you can use individual packages from different vendors for each function of the process.

[Al_The_Man]

The combined CAD/CAM package is fairly prevelent, but some like to draw up in a CAD system they are familiar with such as AutoCad, then import it into the CAD/CAM pgm for processing via DXF etc.
Usually the post-processor is built into the CAM pgm.
So you have CAD, CAD/CAM/P.P. and Modem, and any combination of all three.
Al.

[charger19690]

First off I have only MasterCam and Solidworks backgrounds...

Draw part - Design
Generate Toolpathes - Machining
Post G-Code - Post

In MasterCam it is a complete CAD/CAM software package, it implements all proecesses, Design, Machining, & Post.

MasterCam combines everything into one interface and you really do not see the back and forth of the steps, it makes it seem like it's all one process.

Designing in MasterCam is far less simple than Solidworks, but once you use the Design side, you really don't notice.

Also, you can create Assemblies and Solid Models which in my opinion is the only way to program. Solid Models are by far the best and cleaniest geometry to use for generating toolpath code.

Mike in MN
http://www.cncbasics.com