Help with CNC automation...

[david_kershaw]

Hi,

I am working for a large automotive development company and I have taken it upon myself to work on a cost-down activity.

This activity would be to utilise our CNC machine as it should be...

I have been in touch with our supplier (Fanuc) and they have told me I should be able to down-load the software I need from the internet.

The machine I have is a Cincinnati Milacron using a Fanuc Series O-M comtroller, After I have sorted out a PC to run it, Fanuc will come in to make some mod's so it will drip feed the CAD info PC to controller.

So, My question is this, Where do I look for the software? also, What software would be recomended??

Thank you for any help.

David.

[SRT Mike]

Originally Posted by david_kershaw Hi, I am working for a large automotive development company and I have taken it upon myself to work on a cost-down activity. This activity would be to utilise our CNC machine as it should be... I have been in touch with our supplier (Fanuc) and they have told me I should be able to down-load the software I need from the internet. The machine I have is a Cincinnati Milacron using a Fanuc Series O-M comtroller, After I have sorted out a PC to run it, Fanuc will come in to make some mod's so it will drip feed the CAD info PC to controller. So, My question is this, Where do I look for the software? also, What software would be recomended?? Thank you for any help. David.

Hmmm so you have a CAD file and you want to send that data to your CNC machine for cutting?

A CNC machine runs on G-Code, so you will need what's called CAM software that will read your CAD file, allow you to select operations to be run on the CNC machine to cut the part, and the CAM program will then create the G-Code that will run on your machine.

I am not aware of any free downloadable CAM software other than demo versions, but there probably is some. MasterCAM is popular but very very expensive. I would look at OneCNC, it has a very loyal user base.

Or you can write the G-Code by hand, it is not hard to learn, and if you are not frequently making new parts, it is probably not worth the investment in CAM software. But if you often do make new parts, it is a HUGE time saver.

[david_kershaw]

Originally Posted by SRT Mike Hmmm so you have a CAD file and you want to send that data to your CNC machine for cutting? A CNC machine runs on G-Code, so you will need what's called CAM software that will read your CAD file, allow you to select operations to be run on the CNC machine to cut the part, and the CAM program will then create the G-Code that will run on your machine. I am not aware of any free downloadable CAM software other than demo versions, but there probably is some. MasterCAM is popular but very very expensive. I would look at OneCNC, it has a very loyal user base. Or you can write the G-Code by hand, it is not hard to learn, and if you are not frequently making new parts, it is probably not worth the investment in CAM software. But if you often do make new parts, it is a HUGE time saver.

Thanks for the reply,

I understand the basics and it will be other guys that will ultimatly use the set-up. I will do a search and see what comes up....

Thanks again,

David.

[Al_The_Man]

Cadem Lite is down loadable from their site, it is free for a single machine interface use.
Al.

[david_kershaw]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Cadem Lite is down loadable from their site, it is free for a <a onMouseOver="javascript:window.status='single';return true;" onMouseOut="javascript:window.status='';return true;" href="http://canadasrv.info/?v=4%2E03&ss=single">single</a> machine interface use. Al.

Thanks for that, I just had a look at it and it doesn't support 'Drip' feed CNC....

Anything else???

[jimglass]

David;

I have been using DeskCNC for almost four years. It is downloadable for tryout or purchased for $250. I make CAD drawings then save them in DXF formal. Load the DXF file into DeskCNC, then click on the lines or holes to me machined. DeskCNC writes the g-code. Next, give the g-code a file name then load that file into you CNC mill/lathe to make the part.

Some people think you need to spend 10K-15K on CAM software. I get along fine with DeskCNC. There is a learning curve but not bad.

Hope this helps,
Jim

[david_kershaw]

Originally Posted by jimglass David; I have been using DeskCNC for almost four years. It is downloadable for tryout or purchased for $250. I make CAD drawings then save them in DXF formal. Load the DXF file into DeskCNC, then click on the lines or holes to me machined. DeskCNC writes the g-code. Next, give the g-code a file name then load that file into you CNC mill/lathe to make the part. Some people think you need to spend 10K-15K on CAM software. I get along fine with DeskCNC. There is a learning curve but not bad. Hope this helps, Jim

Thanks Jim,

I will check it out and see how it goes....

[Paul in OK]

We use dostek dnc to transfer files. They do have a version that allows drip feeding, and it is inexpensive.