Software ideas needed....

[Txshane]

I am new to this forum. I have been lerking for a couple of weeks now and just signed up today. I can't seem to find what I am needing help with. I am new to the cnc world. I am the only programmer my company has. We have 2 mills and 3 lathes. The newest is a QT200 640T fusion. We only have several hundred hours on it.

I am looking for some software that will allow me to program from my desk and create layouts/setup sheets per program. Our goal is to network all of these machines to one pc. We use a generic setup sheet now that is lacking to say the least. I have been designing and making tools for years. I use auto/cad and Bobcad/cam now. Mostly for wire EDM work. We have several hundred programs on file that need to be on setup sheets. Problem is that we run the same jobs on 3 different machines that require 3 different setup sheets. Our mills are mostly used for second operation. All of are lathes are just 2 axis machining. Any help or sugestions on software would be great. Nothing that we have will even read the files coming off the Mazaks.

[WayneHill]

Hi Txshane,

Welcome to the forum.

First question:
Are you running Mazatrol and / or G-Code on the QT200 640T Fusion control?

It makes a big difference on the software you will need to load and save your programs with.

[Txshane]

I use both. I don't use g-code unless I have to.

[jackson]

I have 4 lathes and 4 mills what i do is put the set up at the head of the program that way you can have a print out of it and it is in the machine as well it works very well for us if you have 2 different machines just make side notes in the setups, as for linking them you need a good comunication software with the amount of machines you have you can use i com. and get a switch box and just set all your baud rates the same, now if you want to spend the money you can get wireless coms. witch i think is a better way to go i havent forked out the money yet but i plan to "i use Multi DNC for my comunications i like it it has back plot, time est., calculator there are several to choice from

[holbieone]

from what I'm understanding is that you want to be able to post tapes for all machines at once

and have a setup sheet for each machine as well

so an operator can call up a part number and receive the proper tape and setup sheet for the machine being run

is this correct

[holbieone]

do these machines have network capabilities

[Txshane]

I just purchased Camlink for the bargain price of five arms and six legs. Any input from current users would be great.

[WayneHill]

Camlink can do the file transfers. We use it all the time.

It costs us six arms and legs. You got a good deal on it

Connect it to a standard PC serial port. Do not try to use a USB Serial add-on box with it.

[rick_7037]

Feature cam post well and supplys all the neccesary paperwork i have camlink and Featurecam and use the cam