How do guys keep track of your CNC Programs?

[HelicopterJohn]

I am new to CNC and have a couple of Seiki XL CNC mills with Anilam 1100M controls on them.

These machines have limited on board memory so only a limited number of the programs can be actually stored in the machine. I can see an issue coming down the road if I don't find a way or organize my CNC programs.

Do you guys use some type of a numbering sequence or method to make it easy to find programs that you may want to re-run?

One of my other hobbies is developing database programs in Microsoft Access. I was thinking about creating a database where I could store information on the programs I have made.

I intend to store my CNC programs on 3.5 floppy discs and would like to catalog the programs contained on each disc with other pertinent information about each program, such as item name, item description, date, job no., vendor if applicable, disc on which program is stored, etc., etc.

Any input would be appreciated.

John

[Switcher]

The way I do at work is:

1) Add a very detailed info into g-code (comment Header) tooling, part, etc...
2) save to floppy.
3) save to external PC, as a sub folder into a main folder that contains all other programs.
4) create a backup of main folder.

I don't have tons of files, so this works for me.

.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Switcher,

Thanks for your valued input. I agree with you and have already found the value of comment lines in my programs. And yes, backup anything you don't want to lose. Don't ask me how I know this.

John

[Ken_Shea]

Hi John,
They are saved, as mentioned in a sub folder, under the individuals name along with CAD and CAM files. In this sub folder, a copy of the job sheet and copy of invoice are also saved..
Where beneficial, MS Word is used to create any detailed information document for reference, this could include any thing from notes to where the product raw materials were purchased, invoice numbers, item number and cost.

EDIT: I also keep copies of any email communication in this folder as well



Helicopter Ken

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the additional ideas. Like the suggestion about the saving the e-mails and other pertinent in the same sub folder.

John

[HuFlungDung]

Organization is one of the reasons I use OneCNC. Any cad system with some sort of process tree for keeping tabs on the operations should likely work. I find it a lot better to have a part file that can be opened in cadcam for review at any time, then to save raw g-code files. Machining simulation in 'movie style' playback is about a million times better than reading gcode

Having the processes laid out in the nc manager process tree is fairly self-explanatory. I have a tool description with every tool that is called. A few notes at the beginning of the program for special setup features that might make it easier to redo the fixturing.

I usually keep all orientations of the part in the same file. I copy the part and rotate it to the new position for second and third ops.

Thus, I name the first model as something like "Model POS1", the 2nd as "Model POS2" and so on. Each toolpath group, I also name in a similar fashion. So, this makes it quick to go through the layers, and turn on everything named "POS2" when toolpath group "POS2" is active.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi,

Thanks for the continued input. I appreciate your ideas.

John

[sencinia]

I do basically the same thing.
I assign a program number with part number on the same line.
Example: O0003(GD0828-Mill 1st Side)
Then I save them on shop floor pc and server for back up.
The folder saved to is the Machine number or machine name.
Also keep an Excel list of the programs by machine.

Originally Posted by HelicopterJohn I am new to CNC and have a couple of Seiki XL CNC mills with Anilam 1100M controls on them. These machines have limited on board memory so only a limited number of the programs can be actually stored in the machine. I can see an issue coming down the road if I don't find a way or organize my CNC programs. Do you guys use some type of a numbering sequence or method to make it easy to find programs that you may want to re-run? One of my other hobbies is developing database programs in Microsoft Access. I was thinking about creating a database where I could store information on the programs I have made. I intend to store my CNC programs on 3.5 floppy discs and would like to catalog the programs contained on each disc with other pertinent information about each program, such as item name, item description, date, job no., vendor if applicable, disc on which program is stored, etc., etc. Any input would be appreciated. John

[skullworks]

I use Open Office to make a spreadsheet for each customer.

There is a tab for each machine.

A section on a tabbed page will have the Print name, Description, path to print, path to cad files, then a list of each program number for each op and path to setup sheet - there is also a next op link if job continues on a different machine.

BTW - Don't trust floppys! - back it up to HD and burn off a CD backup once a month and take it to a second location.

[WayneHill]

Comment anything and everything inside the program.

Machine type
Part number
Job number
Program number
Revision number.
Program date.
etc...

[HelicopterJohn]

First, thanks for your valued input.

Sorry, for the mis-information in my original post. My Anilam 1100M controller has a 3.5 floppy drive. I also currently use Anilam's off line software to create my programs. The auctual programs are stored on my PC and backed up on a regular basis. I only use the 3.5 floppies to transfer the programs to the Anilam 1100M control. The machines I have are around 1993 vintage hence the 3.5 floppy drives.

I try to add comment lines to the program to accurately describe the machine process, tools etc.

Just trying to figure out a way to keep better track of my programs other that just throwing them all in one directory and hunting for the one I need.

I see the value of sub folders for each project.

John

[jderou]

Just found this thread and wanted to add to it..

We have several machines, each with slightly different posts. I am trying to figure out a way to keep track of programs. We may run the same part on different machines, so their will be a version for each. Do we use the same program number?
Right now we have one machine that has been in use for a long time, so it has an established record of programs. On the newer machines, do we start over at program number O0001, or do we go to a global number system?

One option would be to have multiple versions of the same program number, with comments to tell what machine it is for. Not sure if this could create problems or not.

Any suggestions?