How to use Macro's

[smallplanes]

I would like to know how to use Macro's in the programming of Fanuc 18i controls? I have a few Mori Seiki mills and the newest being a NV5000, and i would like to know what macros are used for? I would like to know so that it may speed up programming time.


Thanks
smallplanes

[mrainey]

Go here:

http://www.cncci.com/


Click on Resources, then CNC Tips

There are some good examples of using Fanuc macros. Also, look at the section on parametric programming.

[psychomill]

Add to that, look in the programming books that should've came with the machines. It has a section(s) covering macro programming.

[smallplanes]

I looked in the macro programming manual and i can't make out one word of it.I understand other parts of the manual but not this part. I'm not a college man i'm a machinist i need something brokin down a little bit more. Could someone write me an example of a short program? Maybe like centering,drilling and then tapping. Would using macro's help in pocket milling?
I mainly want to know is it faster to hand type a program using macro or basic programming?

Thanks guys for any help you can give me
smallplanes

[WayneHill]

http://www.programmingunlimited.com

[pieface]

A lot of macro programming is basically algebra eg a+b=c sort of thing, but the machine needs a,b and c to be in a variable format eg. #100+#101=#102, so what would be simple algebra on paper can look much more complicated due to the amount of characters used. If you are strong on algebra, then macro programming will not be a problem, and vice versa.
Depending on how deep you want to get into it, you can learn some pretty helpful shortcuts by just using the machines common variables which are usually #100 to #150.
For example, the following extract would simply work out speeds and feeds for a given tool. You would substitute a normal speed command at M3 with S#104 and the feed with F#105. The machine would act on the results of the formulas.
#101=281.(M/MIN)
#102=3.*.07(TEETH & FEED)
#103=32.(DIA OF CUTTER)
#104=ROUND[#101/[3.14159265*#103/1000.]]
IF[#104GT11950.]THEN#104=11950.
#105=ROUND[#104*#102]
Hope this helps get you started.